It doesn’t make for good reading.

Surveys and rankings looking at various local areas can provide a quick snapshot as to where the most desirable place is to live.

The Halifax Survey did just that recently and took 26 factors into consideration when establishing what home buyers wanted when looking for a new home.

These factors included, “Employment, earnings, housing affordability, health and wellbeing, education, traffic and crime rates” among others things.

The final results didn’t read well for Northern Ireland. Lisburn and Castlereagh was the top local authority in the region, however it placed at a measly 131st.

Managing director of Halifax, Russell Galley said, “With bustling market towns and picturesque countryside, East Hertfordshire has topped the table thanks to high life expectancy, good schools and health and happiness scores, with high average earnings.”

“Everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing a place to live, depending on time of life, and personal circumstances.”

“Affordability will always be one of the most important factors, with getting a foot on the property ladder still difficult for some people.”

Wales had a similarly poor performance with their highest placing being the Vale of Glamorgan at 126th.

The South East of England had 18 of the top 50 spots.

Click here to see the full results.

Photo: Getty Images