Once considered the epicentre of the UK, London saw a mass exodus in 2020, with 20% more people moving out of the nation’s capital than moving in1. And the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down with Londoners spending over £55 billion2 buying houses outside of London last year. With the cost of living skyrocketing right now, and London having one of the highest mortgage rates in Europe (second only to Paris), it’s little wonder that people are looking to relocate to more affordable areas.

To help buyers leaving the capital to find their dream home elsewhere in the UK, experts at North East based, Atom bank, have matched 8 of the most popular London boroughs with their ‘twins’ elsewhere in the UK.

Kensington and Chelsea (£2,136,922) vs Bath, Somerset (£535,135)

An area famous for its picturesque streets and the myriad of historical sites, Kensington and Chelsea is a history buff’s dream and with over 70% of the area being a conservation zone, it’s no surprise that it is the most expensive part of London.

Swap Kensington and Chelsea for Bath, Somerset for 75% lower house prices.

Teeming with historical sites, independent stores and a bustling social scene, Bath is a hotbed for culture that could be a perfect match for a Kensington resident looking at moving homes. The city’s average house price of £535,135 puts it on the higher end of the UK, but still far below the asking price of £2.1 million in Kensington and Chelsea.

Westminster (£1,132,968) vs Durham, North East England (£206,864)

Home to the houses of parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, Westminster is the historical and political epicentre of Britain. But it’s the cultural thread stones such as Soho, The West End and Covent Garden that set Westminster apart from the rest of London. Home to the best food, shows and gigs that London has to offer, homes in this area are highly sought after.

Swap for Durham, North England for 82% lower house prices.

Durham is a beautiful city located high in the north east of England, its cobblestone streets are filled to the brim with history and the ancient grandeur of Durham Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline. But it’s the fine dining restaurants and the winding streets of Durham that makes it a great social alternative to London living. Whether you’re a first time buyer or simply fed up with the exorbitant cost of London mortgages, Durham has something for everyone.

Camden (£1,184,085) vs Liverpool, North West England (£202,272)

Best known for its bustling markets and lively street food stalls – Camden is the ultimate in eclectic culture, with a thriving local music scene to boot.

Swap Camden for Liverpool, North West England for 83% lower house prices.

Camden may be alt-culture heaven but there’s a reason why Liverpool was crowned as World Capital City of Pop by the Guinness Book of Records. The city’s streets thrum with live music, St George’s Hall is a powerhouse for historical events and shows, and the Cavern Club’s history with the Beatles make it the ideal destination for music enthusiasts looking to make the move out of London.

Hammersmith and Fulham (£991,167) vs Manchester, North West England (£248,704)

Home to the Hammersmith Apollo – one of London’s best known event venues – as well as two major football clubs, Hammersmith and Fulham is a combination of world class entertainment.

It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the excitement and glamour of Westminster. With house prices averaging around £991,167, it’s obvious that the location makes it a popular destination with young professionals looking to enjoy the borough’s varied attractions.

Swap Hammersmith and Fulham for Manchester, North West England for 95% lower house prices.

The northern powerhouse that is Manchester dominates the cultural landscape of England, with world class theatre and entertainment that helps it easily square up to Hammersmith and Fulham. For the football fanatics, Manchester is home to the two Northern footie giants Manchester United and Man City.

Hackney (£670,959) vs Newcastle, North East England (£240,344)

Once one of London’s main industrial hubs, Hackney has reinvented itself as a haven for young creatives. With great food, strong community ties and an unmatched nightlife, it’s easy to see why Hackney has become one of London’s most desirable boroughs for young professionals looking for a taste of the London magic.

Swap Hackney for Newcastle, North East England for 64% lower house prices.

Trade that Hackney accent for the Geordie twang, because Newcastle is the perfect match for Hackney. A city steeped in industrial history, Newcastle diversified away from the failing ship and train manufacturing industry and is best known for its brown ale, friendly locals and fantastic nightlife scene.

Richmond Upon Thames (£927,380) vs Nottingham, East Midlands (£241,953)

Image credit: Unsplash – Richmond Upon Thames vs Nottingham

The only borough spanning both sides of the Thames, Richmond is a beautiful borough that features canalside walks, celebrity appearances and a wealth of greenery, including Richmond park.

Swap Richmond for Nottingham, East Midlands for 74% lower house prices.

Affectionalty branded Robin Hood county; with beautiful parks and forests, some fantastic connections via the extensive canal system and a storied history, Nottingham is the perfect swap for Richmond residents. There are endless activities for families wanting to settle somewhere outside of the capital that can match the variety of London.