5 most searched for property locations where house prices have also soared

House prices have soared in the five most searched for property locations in the UK. Here’s a look at where they are and what you can buy.

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.

'For Sale' sign outside of a terraced house in the UK

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

The housing market is off to a positive start in 2022, according to property platform Rightmove. Figures show that property asking prices rose by 0.3% in January. It means that advertised house prices now average £341,019. That’s a 7.6% increase compared to January last year, and it’s the highest annual rate of growth since 2016.

But while we wait and see how house prices across the country continue to pan out, Rightmove has revealed the five most searched for house locations in the UK over the last 12 months.

[top_pitch]

1. London

The capital was the most searched for location by the end of 2021. But despite coming out on top, house prices in London experienced some of the slowest growth in the country in the year to October 2021 (the latest official government figures).

The government figures also show that the average house price in London last autumn stood at £516,285, a 6.2% change from October 2020. In comparison, the East Midlands saw the highest annual change – rising by 11.7%.

2. Cornwall

Lockdown saw homeowners reassess priorities and flock to the countryside in search of more space, so it’s little surprise that holiday hotspot Cornwall was the second most searched for property location. In fact, throughout the course of 2021, Cornwall and London took it in turns in positions one and two with the capital reasserting its popularity by the end of the year.

Rightmove reported that average house prices rose by 20% in the fishing town of Padstow, while St Ives saw increases of 15%. 

3. Devon

Another prime holiday destination, Devon is another popular region that has seen house prices rise.

Ashburton and Teignmouth in Devon saw the highest rises, with house prices going up by 27% since their previous peaks in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Average house prices stood at £343,328 in Ashburton and £285,238 in Teignmouth towards the end of last year.

4. Bristol

Overall, the South West enjoyed a 9.9% annual increase in house prices, bringing average house prices in the region to £298,600.

Figures also show that Bristol’s popularity has been slowly but consistently growing over the last ten years. According to data from Rightmove, of the top ten locations outside London where house prices rose most in the last decade, six are in Bristol.

Of those six, Easton has seen asking prices increase by 120% since 2010. Whitehall in Bristol has also seen prices rise by 102%, followed by Totterdown (88%). Meanwhile, Eastville and Arnos Grove have both experienced an 86% increase in asking prices over the last ten years.

5. Glasgow

Regeneration has helped the Glasgow property market, as has the promise of new jobs in the area.

Glasgow’s housing market was given a big boost in 2021 thanks to the sale of several properties with price tags of more than £1 million. Market buoyancy also filtered down to more modest houses with terraces and townhouses also being snapped up. There’s also a considerable range in house prices in Glasgow. Two-bedroomed homes are available for around the £180,000 mark in the East End, and properties in fashionable Finnieston cost up to £270,000.

Glasgow’s rise in popularity and subsequent increase in house prices is in part thanks to local regeneration. On top of that, is the promise of more jobs as Barclays announced its new Barclays Glasgow campus. Located in Tradeston, the campus will be home to tech teams, as well as operations and functions teams, with the aim of attracting 5,000 employees. Similarly, investment bank JPMorgan Chase is planning on increasing the size of its Glasgow office.

[middle_pitch]

Homebuying resources to help you climb the property ladder

If you’re thinking of selling up, make sure you get the best price and avoid these ten issues that could decrease the value of your home. And if you’re looking to live by the sea, these coastal areas have seen the biggest house price increases in 2021.

Plus, if you’re looking for a mortgage or trying to work out what you can afford, we’ve put together these mortgage resources and a handy affordability calculator.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »