Buyers in search of their perfect first home dream of a quaint cottage in a picturesque market town – but soaring price tags in these sought-after locations often push that ambition out of reach.

Market towns, often sought after for their charm, convenience, and strong community spirit, are proving increasingly costly for first-time buyers, with average property prices now reaching £280,582.

With their charm, convenience and community spirit, market towns will set first-time buyers back £280,582 on average, analysis by a major bank indicates. Across England and Wales, the typical amount ...