A new analysis by Zoopla reveals that one million homes across the UK have increased in value by 50% or more since the start of the pandemic. Average gains now stand at over £117,000 for this group, with regional disparities highlighting a clear divide between high-growth areas in the North and Wales, and slower-moving markets in London and the South. The figures reflect shifting buyer demand, local affordability advantages, and strong rental performance in value-driven regions.
- One million UK homes have seen price increases of 50% or more since 2020.
- National average price growth over five years stands at 20%, or £60,800.
- Northern England and Wales posted the strongest gains.
- Homes in Rochdale, Oldham and Bolton gained over £62,000 on average.
- Just 2% of southern homes saw 50%+ gains, despite some high-value rises.
- London saw 13% of homes lose value, with average falls of £34,000.
- Regional growth driven by rental demand, affordability, and shifting buyer priorities.
- Sellers urged to understand local dynamics when pricing homes for sale.
Original article source: MPA
These figures from Zoopla reinforce what many in the industry have been tracking over the last two years – a growing divergence between high-performing regional markets and more subdued conditions in southern England.
The areas showing the sharpest gains are not necessarily the traditional investment areas. Instead, there is a continued strength in towns with lower entry prices, strong rental demand, and growing appeal to affordability-focused buyers. This includes parts of South Wales and northern towns like Rochdale, Oldham, and Bolton. These are the places where price increases of 50%+ have been driven as much by value-seeking behaviour as by broader economic tailwinds.
Many of these regions have benefited from structural shifts since the pandemic, including remote working, better connectivity, and changing buyer priorities. These localised hotspots represent sustainable rental yields that often outperform those in more expensive southern postcodes.
By contrast, London’s challenges should be viewed through the lens of rebalancing. Price corrections in parts of the capital, particularly inner boroughs, reflect affordability ceilings, tax changes for landlords, and a necessary pause after a decade of rapid growth. For buyers with long-term horizons, this may offer selective opportunity in what remains one of the world’s most resilient property markets.
The difference between a 5% gain and a 50% surge often comes down to postcode, price point, and property type. Now more than ever, an informed pricing strategy, grounded in local data and on-the-ground advice, is essential.
As the market continues to recalibrate, understanding where and why value is being created will remain key for both buyers and sellers navigating the year ahead.
