Card board box, but I've since upgraded.

Spend the money and replace it with a good stone finish to get more money at the end.

Ugh, I just can't comprehend a concrete countertop. It's personal, as my grandfather was in the concrete business.  My parents had a concrete porch, steps, driveway, etc., but not countertops.

My brother recently made a beautiful one out of 2x6's.

I had a seller use pine and then a clear epoxy, it looked really good but may not be for all. 

Sure as heck not butcherblock. It's more work than any marble or granite.

If price is an issue there are plenty of nice looking laminates.

I hate corian or soapstone.

Formica or silestone. i like others, but not sure of current prices. Look at the " Windfall Lumber" example in this link. https://www.amicusgreen.com/store/c16/Countertops_%26_Sheetgoods.html

And this link shows how to resurface existing countertops. https://www.amicusgreen.com/store/p67/DecoPoz_Concrete_Resurfacing.html

Low cost. Can't help you there.

But quartz and concrete is the choice they should make.....unless updates of this type would make the rest of the house look like crap.

Then butcher block and laminate is the choice.

I think you got some great suggestions here- concrete can be low cost, if it fits the decor - see about sealing the butcherblock so it lasts - Granite Tile is also low cost with the look, only lots of grout lines- and my only addition would be laminate with the look of granite. So the designs a granite design but the countertops laminate. To really pull this look off have them round the edges of the counters- it's a small additional fee- & that really helps pull off the granite look... and make sure there's only 1 or 2 seams showing. 

I would suggest tile with a good sealed grout.  They could probably get a good deal on a discontinued pattern

My lowest cost choice would vary more on the current home value and what type the comparable properties have in their kitchens. 

Low cost, durable and customizable, that's what a concrete counter top offers.

Oh, I've seen some beautiful concrete countertops - inexpensive and can be sealed like quartz & granite.

Butcher block does not do it for me... plus the germ issue of wood...too much maintenance. There are good looking laminates out there. If you can't go a natural stone find a good laminate.

Neither laminate, nor butcher block, is popular these days.  I would avoid both.

Most of the popular materials are no longer inexpensive... but I agree with some, that concrete can be "reasonably priced", can be poured and formed in place, and is a cool, contemporary material... easily coloured, sealed and cared for... the only real caveat is that the cabinetry has to be strong enough to support the weight.  Some of the old cabinetry is not.

Erika Rae Albert, Austin Real Estate Expert take a look at the neighborhood solds see what options were being used by others where the properties sold quickly and for the target price. Once you have a list of 3 or so from that check with a few reputable contractors on both costs and durability. If you are still concerned regarding what a HI might say about a given choice ask two or three that are frequently used in your area and have good reputations as well. Good Luck

Concrete

I have never been a fan of butcher block.  Unless it is properly maintained it should be a sanitary concern. If low cost is the main criteria, probably formica. If the best value is a priority, then there are many options to consider. 

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."  -Ben Franklin 

I've seen the concrete ones that Ken Jones, ASA, SCGREA, CRES references on TV and once in real life.  While I don't find it my style, they did look really nice and nicely done.

I've seen some pretty amazing concrete countertops. 

We use laminate in a laundry room as a smooth surface, but in a kitchen, there are very affordable slab options. The added value with this surface over laminate can be the price of a sale.

The inspector won't be buying the house. What is prevalent or desireable by buyers in your area? Not every option mentioned here already would work in all markets and a laminate with a nice edge treatment could be just as well perceived as something else. 

I have seen concrete and glass counters that are beautiful.  A

When I think of inexpensive counter tops, I think laminate. I had a client who remodeled the first small condo that she bought with a new laminate counter top that was of a color that complemented the new paint and carpet she also added. She did a great job and the finished product (condo) was quite attractive.

staron might be a product that's reasonable....it's like corian....different name....

My favorites are not low cost solutions.

Quartz is preferred by many but it is expensive.

I've never known an inspector to call out butcherblock as an issue. If it is maintained, it would not be an issue. I'd ask your inspector to provide their comment on this and share it with the seller. 

I like Ken's concrete suggestion.

Erika Rae Albert, Austin Real Estate Expert - well, I am not an expert at this.

Concrete (polished), but only if they have a modern taste. Otherwise, granite imitation looks great. 

Corian.  

I replaced my old ones with quartz a couple of years ago, but was not low cost.

Home Depot granite or granite tiles.

Parked and reading...

Each area may be different. Most popular ones are not inexpensive. Do your research carefully.

I've seen a lot of concrete counter tops that look amazing.. not sure of the cost... but I think laminate would lookd much better than butcher block..

Countertops are not the place to try and skimp on costs. Undoubtedly the person will never be happy with the decision if it isn't what they really want. Even cement which I love and have in one of my homes is expensive to install and is very heavy.

I do not know.

The laminate tops offered by Wilson Art or Formica can look like granite or stone but a whole lot less expensive.

I do not know.  Ask e about fishing lures

 Concrete (labor expert is largest part of cost) I think they can find a porcelain tile that looks like quartz or stone if installed with near zero grout that suits any style. Show us a kitchen photo and I can suggest. Paint the whole house neutral over laminate counter 

corian