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Setfords Law, Published: 15th July 2026, Last reviewed: 15th July 2026 · Read time: 6 minutes
Around a quarter of UK workers now work a hybrid pattern, and where you live matters as much for your broadband as your commute. Here is how five cities compare, and what to check before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Hybrid working is now well established. More than a quarter of working adults in Great Britain hybrid worked between January and March 2025, up from a fifth two years earlier (ONS, released June 2025).
- Broadband coverage keeps improving. Full-fibre broadband now reaches 82% of UK homes, with 89% able to get gigabit-capable broadband (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026 update, 13 May 2026).
- You have a day-one right to request flexible working. Since April 2024, employees can request flexible working from their first day in a job, though employers can still refuse with good business reasons.
- Cross-border tax still applies wherever you work from. Wales has no separate first-time buyer relief, but its Land Transaction Tax threshold starts at £225,000, higher than England’s £125,000 standard rate. A first-time buyer paying £231,000 in Cardiff would pay tax on only £6,000 of it, around £360.
What matters for remote and hybrid workers
Reliable broadband is the baseline, but it is no longer the differentiator it once was. With full fibre now reaching most of England and Wales, other factors matter more. A genuine change of pace, coworking or café culture for days you want company, and green space to switch off in all count for more now.
Hybrid workers also need to think about occasional commutes. A city with excellent rail links to a nearby employment hub can offer the best of both. You can live somewhere calmer while still making it into the office on the days that matter.
Five cities worth considering
| City | Average house price | First-time buyer price | Average rent | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | £268,000 | £231,000 | £1,154 | Affordable capital-city base with a compact centre |
| Exeter | £286,000 | £247,000 | £1,313 | Coastal and countryside access within a short drive |
| York | £311,000 | £267,000 | £1,178 | Walkable historic centre with strong rail links |
| Cheltenham | £333,000 | £278,000 | £1,249 | Tech and cyber-security sector, strong festival culture |
| Bristol | £354,000 | £315,000 | £1,883 | Tech and creative hub with the widest job market |
Figures are sourced from the UK House Price Index (ONS and HM Land Registry) and the Price Index of Private Rents, using the most recent 2026 data for each city.
Cardiff
Cardiff offers a compact, walkable centre and a genuine capital-city job market at a lower price point than most English equivalents. The average house price was £268,000 in January 2026, with first-time buyers paying £231,000 (ONS and HM Land Registry). Average rent was £1,154 in February 2026.
Because Wales’s Land Transaction Tax threshold starts at £225,000, a first-time purchase at this price point incurs a modest tax bill of around £360.
Exeter
Exeter puts Dartmoor, the Jurassic Coast, and the wider Devon countryside within easy reach for lunchtime walks or weekend recharging. The average house price was £286,000 in March 2026, with first-time buyers paying £247,000 (ONS and HM Land Registry). Average rent was £1,313 in April 2026.
York
York’s compact, walkable centre and direct rail links to Leeds, Manchester, and London make it a strong hybrid-working base. The average house price was £311,000 in March 2026, with first-time buyers paying £267,000 (ONS and HM Land Registry). Average rent was £1,178 in April 2026.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s tech and cyber-security sector, anchored by its proximity to GCHQ, supports a strong professional community alongside its well-known festival calendar. The average house price was £333,000 in April 2026, with first-time buyers paying £278,000 (ONS and HM Land Registry). Average rent was £1,249 in May 2026.
Bristol
Bristol has the widest job market on this list, spanning tech, aerospace, and creative industries, alongside a strong independent coworking scene. The average house price was £354,000 in April 2026, with first-time buyers paying £315,000 (ONS and HM Land Registry). Average rent was £1,883 in May 2026, the highest of the five.
What to check before you decide
Broadband at the exact address. National and city-wide coverage figures do not guarantee a strong connection at a specific property. Check the actual full-fibre or gigabit availability for the address itself before you commit.
Space for a proper home office. If you plan to work from home regularly, check whether permitted development rights allow you to convert a garage or loft, and whether any planning restrictions apply to the property.
Cross-border tax differences. Land Transaction Tax in Wales has no dedicated first-time buyer relief, unlike Stamp Duty Land Tax in England, but its threshold starts higher at £225,000. Work out the actual figure for your purchase rather than assuming a large tax penalty for crossing the border.
Leasehold flats and service charges. Many city-centre flats suited to remote workers are leasehold. Check the length of the lease and ask your solicitor to review the service charges before you commit.
When to speak to a solicitor
Moving for a lifestyle change is still a legal transaction like any other. It is worth speaking to a solicitor if any of the following apply:
- You want the broadband and utility infrastructure at a specific property checked before you commit
- You are planning to convert a garage, loft, or outbuilding into a home office and want the permitted development position confirmed
- You are moving between England and Wales and want the right tax and process applied from the start
- You are buying a leasehold flat and want the service charges and lease length checked
- You want a second opinion on anything flagged in the seller’s property information form
What you can expect with Setfords
Ultimate flexibility: Our lawyers can tailor their schedules to meet your needs.
Nationwide coverage: with hundreds of consultant lawyers across the UK, we’ll connect you with the right expert.
Dedicated specialist legal partner: work directly with your chosen lawyer from start to finish.
Highly experienced: Setfords lawyers have an average of 20 years’ experience, so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.
Capacity-based allocation: our lawyers never take on more work than they can handle, so you get the focus and attention you deserve.
FAQs
What is the best UK city for remote workers?
It depends on your priorities. Cardiff and Exeter offer strong affordability, while Bristol and Cheltenham offer the widest tech and professional job markets if you are hybrid rather than fully remote.
Can I request flexible working from day one of a new job?
Yes. Since April 2024, employees have a legal right to request flexible working from their first day of employment. Employers can still refuse a request, but must have a genuine business reason for doing so.
How do I check broadband speed before buying a house?
Ofcom’s broadband checker lets you search full-fibre and gigabit availability by postcode. This is more reliable than a national or city-wide average, since coverage can vary considerably street by street.
Do I need planning permission for a home office?
Converting an existing room rarely needs permission. Larger changes, such as a garden office or loft conversion, may fall under permitted development rights or require planning permission depending on the property and area. Check with your solicitor before you commit to a purchase based on this plan.
Ready to make your move for a better work-life balance?
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This article is general information about buying a home in England and Wales and is not legal advice. Property markets and local regulations can change, so please speak to a qualified conveyancing solicitor about your specific circumstances.
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