THERE’S no denying that getting on the property ladder can be expensive.

However, the latest data suggests that the average UK house price has surged by £20,000 in the space of a year.

House prices increased by 8.6% over the year to February, marking the highest annual rate of growth since October 2014, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

The North West was the English region with the highest annual growth in average house prices (11.9%).

Therefore, we need to do whatever we can to nab a house at bargain price- that includes shopping around in the most affordable areas.

Using data from Zoopla, we can reveal where the cheapest areas to buy a house in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton are.

This information is based on the average price paid for a house in these areas over the last year.

Seven areas in Bolton- and the average price paid for a house here
(From most expensive to least expensive)

7. Outcode: BL7
Areas covered: Bromley Cross and West Pennine
Average price paid for a house: £240,000

Some of the most expensive homes in and around Bolton can be found here.

The average price paid for a house here is more than £60,000 more expensive than the average price across Bolton as a whole.

6. Outcode: BL6
Areas covered: Horwich, Lostock and Blackrod
Average price paid for a house: £180,000

5. Outcode: BL5
Areas covered: Westhoughton & Over Hulton
Average price paid for a house: £ 170,000

4. Outcode: BL2
Areas covered: Tonge, Haulgh,Breightment and Bradshaw
Average price paid for a house: £ 155,000

3. Outcode: BL1
Areas covered: Bolton - Halliwell, Crompton, Smithills, Astley Bridge
Average price paid for a house: £ 150,000

2. Outcode: BL3
Areas covered: Bolton- Deane, Daubhill, Greater Lever, Little Lever and Darcy Lever
Average price paid for a house:  £ 145,000

1. Outcode: BL4
Areas covered: Farnworth & Kearsley
Average price paid for a house: £ 135,000

According to the Zoopla data, the BL4 area is home to some of the most affordable homes in Bolton.

The average price paid for one in the last 12 months is £135,000- but there are currently some house listings for as little as £55,000.