25 Best Places to Retire in the UK

Published on October 30, 2023 at 1:01 pm by Ghazal Ahmed in Lists, News, Retirement

This article takes a look at the 25 best places to retire in the UK. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis of how expats are eyeing the UK rental property market, you may go to the 5 Best Places to Retire in the UK.

Expats Eyeing the UK Rental Property Market

As an expat looking to invest in rental properties, looking for the highest rental yield is the right way to go. Lucky for expats in the UK, private rental prices being paid by tenants have risen by 5.5% for the 12 months ending August 2023, the largest annual percentage change since 2016. Demand for rented accommodation has been consistently rising as evident, hinting at a good time to invest in such properties. Home-ownership is supposedly declining, and the number of households that are renting has doubled in the last two decades in places such as England and Wales.

As many as 5 million households are renting privately in England and Wales, equating to one in five households, reports The Guardian. For the expat considering these figures, it is worth mentioning that high-interest rates and economic uncertainty may also work in your favor. According to a report by Tembo, house price growth has slowed as of September 2023, down by 0.5% since last year and currently, the average UK property price is £265,100. The report further notes that average discounts that buyers can get on these asking prices have also surged, estimated to be around 4.2%.

In this regard, Zoopla further highlights that in terms of rental yields, the North East is currently “leading the pack.” The average rental yield in the region is 7.2%, followed by Scotland and North West, bearing average rental yields of 7.1% and 6.3% respectively. These regions do not only make excellent additions to an expat’s investment portfolio, but also rank among the best places to retire in the UK for retirees. North East, in particular, is a good option to invest considering an average buy-to-let property costs around $132,254 in the region.

Another factor impacting house prices in the UK, as noted by Financial Express, is the slow growth that the economy has been experiencing in 2023. High inflation has been eating at the disposable incomes of its residents, and the economy remains 0.5% smaller than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, over 80% of all the markets in the UK, including London, South and East England, and Wales reported registered house price falls in 2023.

Retiring in the UK

When you buy an investment property in the UK, you might end up loving the place so much that you decide to retire there instead. Rest assured, it may prove to be a smart investment that could become your future home. For those looking for retirement in the UK, it might be disheartening to know that the country has closed down its retirement visa program, and retiring to the UK through a retiree visa is not possible. Nevertheless, some other options remain open that potential expatriates can use to make the country their new home.

Work visas, ancestry, or family visas are some other ways potential retirees can get into the UK. For the ancestry visa, you must have a grandparent or parent in the UK. Meanwhile, a family visa can be obtained after proving that you have a family tie with a British citizen in the UK. To live a modest retirement in the country, an expat retiree would need a monthly income of $2,500 on average.

Rich cultural heritage, excellent healthcare system, diverse landscapes, and plentiful recreational opportunities have made this country an appealing destination to retire to. The country also enjoys a safe and stable environment, adding to the allure of retiring here.

Marco Govel/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

To compile the list of best places to retire in the UK, we have used several sources such as CN Traveller, The Telegraph, and Country Living, amongst others. Next, we incorporated expat opinions that we compiled from expat forums such as Quora, Reddit, and others.

A consensus approach was used to determine the rankings, assigning one point for each recommendation from a source. We have also discussed the average property prices and average rent prices per calendar month for each place. The data points have been sourced from websites such as Home.co.uk, and Zoopla, amongst others.

Here are the best places to retire in the UK:

25. Manchester, England

Insider Monkey Score: 2

Several research studies such as The Economist have acclaimed Manchester as one of the most livable cities in Europe, as well as a leading contender to potentially replace London as the UK capital. After all, it has excellent healthcare, plenty of green spaces, and a vibrant cultural scene to offer its retirees. It is also hailed as one of the most affordable places to retire in England, with the average property price standing at $303,500 while the average rent is $1,382 per calendar month (PCM).

24. Swansea, Wales

Insider Monkey Score: 3

The picturesque coastal gem of South Wales, Swansea, is home to the beautiful Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula. Retirees get to enjoy modern amenities, Welsh culture, and numerous cultural events throughout the year. As it is a wheelchair-accessible city, it hails as one of the best places to live in the UK for over 60s. Housing prices are more affordable than in major cities in the UK, with the average property price in Swansea being $259,385. Meanwhile, average rent is $1,526 per calendar month.

23. Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Insider Monkey Score: 4

Deemed as one of the best places to retire in the UK by several research studies, Newcastle upon Tyne appeals to retirees because of its green spaces, thriving cultural scene, and proximity to the North East coast. The average property price in the city is $282,325, while average property rent is $1,760 per calendar month. It is estimated that the cost of living during total retirement years in Newcastle is around $142,807.

22. Coventry, England

Insider Monkey Score: 4

From the stunning Coventry Cathedral ruins to the medieval Spon Street, Coventry is brimming with history for retirees to explore. It is also lined with beautiful canals, and there are plenty of well-maintained parks and green spaces to relax in the outdoors. The average property price in Coventry is $372,329, while the average property rent is $1,434 per calendar month.

21. Edinburgh, Scotland

Insider Monkey Score: 5

Edinburgh offers retirees an enticing blend of natural beauty, exemplified by the lush green spaces like Arthur’s Seat, historic richness, typified by iconic landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle, and cultural delight, playing host to the famous Edinburgh festival. It is one of the best cities to retire in Scotland, as reflected by its average property house price which is $424,654. The average rent stands at $1,797 per calendar month.

20. Norwich, England

Insider Monkey Score: 5

Located in the heart of the striking Norfolk countryside, retirees are drawn to the picturesque green spaces, beautiful cultural attractions, and rich history in Norwich. The city boasts over 1,500 historic buildings, over 200 pubs and cafes, and more than 60 churches and parks. The average property price in Norwich is $369,903, while the average rent is $1,760 per calendar month.

19. Suffolk, England

Insider Monkey Score: 6

Situated East of England, Suffolk is revered for its beautiful countryside, charming coastal areas, and fascinating historic finds. Retirees spend a high quality of life here, savoring fresh seafood and delicious farm-to-table dishes, excellent healthcare facilities, and numerous cultural attractions. The average property rent in Suffolk is $1,653 per calendar month, while the average property price in the county is $401,436,

18. Essex, England

Insider Monkey Score: 7

Essex, located in East England, is often favored by affluent retirees looking for a lavish lifestyle. On average, properties in this county sell for $580,092, whereas average property rent in the area is around $2,073 per calendar month. Mesmerizing coastal areas, charming villages, and rolling countryside make it a beautiful city to retire to. The friendly locals add to the appeal of retiring here.

17. Dorset, England

Insider Monkey Score: 7

From its picturesque coastline to the strikingly beautiful countryside, Dorset can be a beautiful place to retire in the UK. The Jurassic Coast, in particular, provides a dual opportunity for coastal enjoyment and immersion in geological wonders, boasting an array of striking rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and captivating fossils. The average property rent in Dorset is $1,894 per calendar month, while the average property price is $481,064 over the last year.

16. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Insider Monkey Score: 8

A county located in Southwest Wales, Pembrokeshire appeals to retirees who desire a coastal lifestyle, enjoying the rugged cliffs, beaches, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It is probably one of the nicest places to retire in the UK, boasting fantastic food spots and restaurants, and also the Bluestone National Park Resort. On average, properties in the county sell for $395,413, while average property rent is $1,119 per calendar month.

15. Lake District, England

Insider Monkey Score: 9

Anyone who gets a chance to visit the tranquil natural landscapes of the Lake District knows the magnetic allure it has on them. Retirees enjoy hiking, biking, and bird-watching in the great outdoors, engaging in scenic drives, and living the peaceful lifestyle they have longed for during retirement. Over the past year, the average property price in the UK hovered around $357,146, while the average rent is $2,728 per calendar month.

14. Peak District, England

Insider Monkey Score: 10

Peak District is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting a wide array of rolling hills, charming villages, and lush valleys. Located in the county of Derbyshire, the Peak District is famous for its heritage sites, country parks, and peaceful lifestyle. The average sold price for a property in the region is $385,502, while the average rent is $1,455 per calendar month (PCM).

13. Durham, England

Insider Monkey Score: 10

From eclectic museums, restaurants, and parks to stunning castles and cathedrals, retirees have a golden time retiring to Durham, England. The vibrant cultural scene, UK’s top-ranking Durham University, and the river and surrounding countryside make the city more appealing for seniors. The average property rent in Durham is $914 per calendar month, while the average property price stands at $186,771.

12. Lancaster, England

Insider Monkey Score: 11

One of the best areas to retire in the UK is Lancaster, England. The reason it is popular amongst retirees is that it is much more affordable than other areas, having an average property price of $297,135. Moreover, the average rent is $1,069 per calendar month. The city is also famous for its relaxed pace of life, historical charm, and natural beauty.

11. Nottingham, England

Insider Monkey Score: 12

According to Lottie, Nottingham may be your best shot at finding true love as a senior. Home to 52,878 people aged 60 or over, it easily passes as one of the best places for older singles to live in the UK. The city is also reasonably affordable for retirees, with its average property price of $311,635, and average rent standing at $1,646 per calendar month.

10. Liverpool, England

Insider Monkey Score: 12

The vibrant city of Liverpool is packed with culture, history, and lots of entertainment. Retirees get to enjoy the scenic waterfront of River Mersey, ideal for long strolls and pleasant views. Liverpudlians are friendly as well. Liverpool is also a nice place to live because of its affordability, boasting an average property price of $256,938. The average rent in the area is $1,318.

9. Birmingham, England

Insider Monkey Score: 13

Birmingham is another one of the best options to retire in the UK. Due to its affordability, vibrant cultural scene, and well-developed healthcare, it is worth retiring to the city. The average property price in Birmingham is $339,583, while the average rent is $1,953 per calendar month.

8. Glasgow, Scotland

Insider Monkey Score: 14

Known for its strong sporting culture, many educational opportunities, and numerous green spaces, Glasgow is an attractive destination to retire in the UK. The average property price in the region is $248,623, while the average rent is $2,224 per calendar month.

7. Yorkshire Dales, England

Insider Monkey Score: 15

Unspoiled countryside, great castles, and peaceful lifestyle make retiring to the Yorkshire Dales feel like a dream. The average property price in Yorkshire Dales is $401,592, while the average rent is $2,243 per calendar month.

6. Bath, England

Insider Monkey Score: 16

According to Strutt and Parker, everyone wants to retire to Bath, UK. Bath is one of the most popular small cities in the UK owing to its beautiful countryside, striking Georgian architecture, and vibrant cosmopolitan life. The average property price in the area is $482,694, while the average rent is $2,631 per calendar month.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Places to Retire in the UK.