House hunting can be a real nightmare, especially if you're on a budget.

Making your cash stretch a bit further can be really tough, especially if you're looking for something in a specific area.

But the bargains are there. If you want to avoid the auctions (because you don't fancy shelling out £10k on improvements) there are still plenty of places to look.

If you don't even fancy that we've compiled a list of the most affordable homes in the city and county today, and how much a monthly mortgage will set you back.

Leicester

1 bed flat in Thurmaston
  • 1 bed ground floor flat in Thurmaston
  • £60,000 or around £284 a month mortgage
  • Further details here

Agents say: "Available with no upward chain and a sitting tenant, this one bedroom ground floor studio flat is ideal for both first time buyers and investors. The property briefly consists of; fitted kitchen and bathroom and lounge/bedroom. The property also benefits from communal gardens and parking. Early viewing is advised."

1 bed flat in Glenfield Road

Agents say: "A ground floor, one bedroom flat, ideal for first time buyers or for investors located in popular residential location. The property comprises of lounge, kitchen, large double bedroom and bathroom. Currently let and achieving a strong yield."

Flat on Saffron Lane estate

Agents say: "Attention Investors. Aston & Co are delighted to offer to the market this well presented first floor apartment located on Heathcott Road on the Saffron Lane Estate. The accommodation briefly consists of a lounge, fitted kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom. The property also benefits from communal parking and gardens.Early viewing is essential to avoid disappointment."

Loughborough

1 bed flat in Tuckers Road

Agents say: "One bedroom first floor flat - an ideal opportunity for any investor or first time purchaser situated within great access of the A6 and Charnwood Waters."

1 bed apartment in Factory Street

Agents say: "A most stylish brand new one bedroom ground floor apartment within this former factory premises which provides tastefully appointed and well presented accommodation with upvc double glazing and electric wall heaters and occupies a convenient setting close to all amenities in Loughborough town centre. No upward chain involved."

2 bed apartment in Fennel Street

Agents say: "A most appealing and really spacious modern purpose built two bedroom first floor apartment which provides well appointed accommodation with electric heaters, upvc double glazing and TV intercom entry system and occupies an already established setting within the heart of Loughborough."

Coalville

3 bed terraced home in Whitwick
  • 3 bed terrace in Leicester Road, Whitwick
  • £107,000 or £507 a month
  • Full details and more pictures here

Agents say: In the popular village of Whitwick this property is ideal for first time buyers or investors. Within walking distance of the Leisure centre, St John The Baptist primary School and King Edward VII secondary school this property is within easy reach of all the amenities Whitwick has to offer. On the ground floor there is a lounge, kitchen and family bathroom. To the first floor are two single bedrooms and a double bedroom. The property also benefits from an enclosed rear garden and gas central heating, double glazing. EPC Rating D.

2 bed in Belvoir Road, Coalville
  • 2 bed terrace in Belvoir Road, Coalville
  • £110,000 or £522 a month
  • Full details and more pictures here

Agents say: "Two bedroom terrace property ideally located for Coalville town centre. Comprising of entrance door to front reception room, rear reception room with stairs leading to the first floor. Kitchen with side access door and useful rear utility area. To the first floor the landing gives access to the good size front bedroom with fitted robes, rear bedroom and family bathroom/wc. Further benefiting from gas fired central heating system and some double glazing. Externally the property has a shared side entry with side gate leading to the rear garden with patio, store, lawn area and raised borders. Viewing recommended."

Vaughan Street in Coalville

Agents say: "Fantastic opportunity to purchase a traditional mid terrace home located in Coalville, conveniently placed for local amenities and schools. The accommodation comprises; Lounge/Dining Room, Fitted Kitchen and to the First Floor Two Bedrooms and a Bathroom fitted with four piece suite. Externally there is a walled fore-garden, rear garden with patio and lawn."

Hinckley

3 bed terrace in in Trinity Lane

Agents say: "Mark Webster estate agents are delighted to be able to offer for sale this very well situated traditional home that requires some improvement to the first and second floors but offers excellent potential for the first time buyer. Located on the edge of the Town Centre its within a short walk to all local amenities and also has excellent motorway networks links and is within a short drive to the M69 motorway."

Home in Strathmore Road

Agents say: "The Express Estate Agency is proud to offer this Three Bedroom Semi-Detached House. – all interest and offers are invited."

Home in Thirlmere Road

Agents say: "Located in Hinckley on a very popular road is this extended exceptional three bedroom semi detached family home. The property has many redeeming features that can only be appreciated once viewed. Accommodation comprises an entrance hall, lounge with log burner, kitchen/diner with log burner, shower room. Off the first floor landing there are three bedrooms and a bathroom whilst outside offers off road parking and extensive lawn to the rear and a child friendly lawn turf area, patio and storage shed to the rear."

Market Harborough

Flat in St Mary's Road
  • 1 bed apartment in Swift House, St Mary's Road
  • £140,000 or £664 a month
  • Details and more pictures here

Agents say: "A well-presented one bedroomed second floor apartment located on the banks of the River Welland. Swift House is a modern development ideally situated in Market Harborough within a few minutes walking distance of the town centre and mainline railway station."

2 bed terrace in Hearth Street

Agents say: "Harrison Murray is pleased to offer to the market this well presented, extended Victorian house situated within a short walk to the town centre. The property briefly compromises a living room, dining room, extended fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms and a first floor bathroom."

2 bed bungalow in Marlborough Way
  • 2 bed bungalow in Marlborough Way
  • £235,000 or £1,114 a month
  • Details and more pictures here

Agents say: "A two bedroom detached bungalow ripe for full renovation and development (subject to the necessary planning consents), located in a prime location occupying an elevated corner plot position."

  • These homes were the cheapest on the property section of the Leicestershire Live website on June 26
  • Mortgage costs were calculated on the basis of a 25 year repayment mortgage with an interest rate of 3%.