We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Stock market recovery: 5 dirt-cheap UK shares I’d buy today to make a million

These dirt-cheap UK shares could deliver impressive returns in a stock market recovery. They may even help an investor make a million.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Buying dirt-cheap UK shares today could be a sound means of benefitting from a likely stock market recovery. After all, the stock market has always bounced back from its declines to post new record highs.

Since it continues to trade below its 2020 starting price, there may be opportunities to capitalise on its likely rally over the coming years.

XXX

With that in mind, here are five FTSE 350 shares that could offer good value for money. Over time, they could help an investor to make a million.

Opportunities to capitalise on a stock market recovery

Many dirt-cheap UK shares that could benefit the most from a stock market recovery operate in sectors that face difficult near-term outlooks. For example, British Land faces weak demand for office and retail space in a tough economic period. Meanwhile, ITV has experienced a fall in demand for TV advertising as business and consumer confidence has deteriorated.

However, both companies appear to have solid financial positions and the right strategies to adapt to changing operating environments. Moreover, British Land trades on a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 0.7, while ITV has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 10.

These figures suggest they offer wide margins of safety. So that means investors may be undervaluing their capacity to deliver share price growth as the stock market recovers from the 2020 crash.

Dirt-cheap UK shares in a range of sectors

Retailers such as Marks & Spencer and Kingfisher may be relatively attractive dirt-cheap UK shares to own in a stock market recovery. The two companies have shifted their focus towards online retailing in the past couple of years.

For Kingfisher, this appears to be paying off. It’s recorded strong sales growth in recent months. For Marks & Spencer, the growth opportunities provided by its tie-up with Ocado could be significant in the coming years.

Kingfisher and M&S currently trade on forward P/E ratios of around 11. This suggests they may offer good value for money ahead of a likely economic recovery in the long run.

Similarly, housebuilder Bellway could benefit from an improving economic outlook. A period of low interest rates may encourage higher demand for new homes through improving their affordability.

The company’s financial position suggests it can overcome short-term threats facing a wide range of dirt-cheap UK shares to post improving performance in a long-term stock market recovery.

Making a million

Dirt-cheap UK shares could be among those companies that benefit the most from a stock market recovery. Their low prices may mean they’ve greater scope to generate capital growth in the coming years.

Even if an investor matches the historic annual total returns of the FTSE 100 of 8%, investing £750 per month for 30 years would produce a £1m portfolio. However, through buying undervalued stocks today, a higher return may be possible. And that could reduce the amount of time it takes to generate a seven-figure portfolio.

Peter Stephens owns shares of British Land Co. The Motley Fool UK has recommended British Land Co and ITV. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Friends and sisters exploring the outdoors together in Cornwall. They are standing with their arms around each other at the coast.
Investing Articles

£503 buys 14 shares in this FTSE 250 stock that returned 23.9% annually for the last 15 years

This FTSE 250 stock has averaged a huge return for 15 years. At today's price, £503 buys 14 shares. But…

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

£1,000 buys 25 shares in this FTSE 100 stock that’s returned 29.2% annually for the last 10 years

This FTSE 100 mining stock has returned close to 30% a year for a decade. At 3,995p, £1,000 buys 25…

Read more »

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Investing Articles

Down 47%, is this growth stock finally worth buying in May?

With a £288m order book and a hidden pipeline of defence and nuclear contracts, is this growth stock now too…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT - standing for real estate investment trust - written on it.
Investing Articles

2 REITs yielding 7%+ to consider for passive income in 2026

A REIT backed by the NHS and another backed by Tesco and Sainsbury's with both yielding 7%+. Here's why I'm…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

Just 97 shares of this UK dividend stock generate £238 in passive income

A 5.7% yield, £238 in passive income from just 97 shares, and one of the most divisive dividend stocks on…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

£10,000 in an ISA generates a second income of…

The London Stock Exchange is home to some of the world's most generous dividends. But how big a second income…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Expert recommendations: 2 top income stocks yielding 7%+!

With yields of 7.2% and 7.8% respectively, these two income stocks are catching the eyes of institutional analysts. Should investors…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

3 top income-focused stocks to buy in May 2026, according to experts

Looking for a stock to buy for income in May 2026? Experts have flagged these three UK dividend shares as…

Read more »