Located in the North East of England, County Durham has everything you need, from a bustling city to charismatic towns and villages. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites before taking in the beauty of popular towns like Bishop Auckland and Stanley.

Living in County Durham means you’re never far away from history. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Durham Cathedral and Castle and marvel at the sights on offer. 

Or if you’re looking for something more low key, spend some time in attractive market towns such as Bishop Auckland, where you can relax in one of the cafes or sample the local restaurants. 

There’s plenty of nature in County Durham too, and it’s a great place to go on hikes or discover cycling trails while admiring the local scenery.

Restaurant connoisseurs will delight at the options on offer in County Durham, whether you’re settling down at a local village pub or fine dining in Durham. Enjoy every cuisine, from home comforts at your local chippy to authentic Italian dishes and more.

From nightclubs to bars and theatres to comedy nights, there’s entertainment for everyone in County Durham. Try the local bars in Bishop Auckland and Stanley or visit Durham and Sunderland for late-night partying.

Hamsterley Forest is a great place to start if you’re looking for scenic open spaces to walk your dog, while the villages of Annfield Plain and New Kyo are places to stroll around on a pleasant walk. There’s also varied landscapes to soak in, bike riding activities and places to fish, such as the Durham Dales. 

Help to Buy: Equity Loan is a government-backed scheme enabling first-time buyers to get the keys to a new-build home. You only need a deposit of 5%, with the government providing an equity loan of up to 20% of the purchase price. The remaining 75% is covered by a mortgage. Subject to eligibility, terms and conditions. 

You must buy your home from a homebuilder registered for Help to Buy: Equity Loan. After selecting the plot of your choice, you’ll pay a £200 reservation fee at which point you will receive free mortgage advice. A specialist will then help you through your application. 

You only need a 5% minimum deposit to buy your home in County Durham with the Help to Buy: Equity Loan. The government then provides an equity loan of up to 20%.

You don’t pay interest on a Help to Buy: Equity Loan for the first five years. You start to pay interest in year six, on the equity loan amount you borrowed. You can repay all or part of your equity loan at any time – a part-payment must be at least 10% of your home’s worth at the time of repayment.