Affordable commuter locations around Manchester and Glasgow are recording some of the strongest asking price growth in Britain, latest Rightmove data reveals.
Analysis of commuter hotspots surrounding London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Cardiff shows 10 of the 15 fastest-growing locations are within reach of Manchester or Glasgow.
Falkirk tops the rankings, with average asking prices climbing 13.5% annually to £183,596. Rochdale follows with growth of 8.7% to £238,115, while Broxbourne in Hertfordshire is up 8.1% to £654,263.
Eleven of the 15 fastest-growing commuter locations have average asking prices below £250,000.
NORTH LEADS GROWTH
St Helens has recorded annual growth of 7.8% to £192,570, while asking prices are up 7% in Wishaw, 6.2% in Wigan and 5.3% in both Greenock and Hamilton.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s Property Expert, says: “Our data highlights two very different stories playing out across some of Britain’s commuter markets.
“In the more affordable locations around Glasgow and Manchester, asking prices are rising strongly as buyers look for value within reach of major cities.
“Meanwhile, some of the more expensive commuter hotspots are seeing prices ease, which could create opportunities for buyers who may previously have been priced out.”
SOUTHERN MARKETS COOL
The picture is markedly different across a number of more expensive southern commuter markets.
Haywards Heath records the largest annual fall, down 4.8% to £461,066, followed by Maidenhead, where prices are 3.9% lower at £571,686. Bath is down 3.8% to £508,109 and Reading has fallen 2.9% to £377,211.
Prices in the major cities themselves are generally moving more slowly. Glasgow is up 2.9% annually, Manchester 1.8% and Cardiff 1.4%, while Birmingham and Bristol are both down 0.6% and London has fallen 3.1%.
FALKIRK TOPS TABLE
Clark Gillespie, Director at Forth and Clyde Property, says: “Falkirk is an attractive choice for buyers because it offers a combination of affordability, strong transport links and excellent family amenities.
“With multiple train stations and easy access via the excellent motorway network to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling, it’s a practical option for commuters who want to stay connected to major cities while getting more for their money.
“The area is particularly popular with families thanks to its well-regarded schools, and many buyers see it as a place where they can put down long-term roots, even if their job circumstances change. That mix of value, convenience and lifestyle continues to drive strong demand across Falkirk and the wider central belt.”
EXCEPTIONAL LIFESTYLE
Shona Crawford, Director at Rettie, says: “The continued strength of Glasgow’s commuter areas reflects the exceptional lifestyle they offer.
“Areas such as Bearsden, Milngavie, Newton Mearns and Giffnock combine easy access to Glasgow with larger family homes, green space, and strong local communities.
“They are also home to many of Scotland’s highest-performing state schools, making them particularly attractive to families seeking long-term value.
“When you combine excellent educational opportunities with connectivity, amenity and access to the countryside, it’s clear why demand for these locations remains so resilient.”
“The pandemic trend is starting to swing back.”
Ian Harris, NAEA Propertymark President, says: “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen an initial reformatting of what many people want and need from the location they choose to live in.
“Initially, we saw many people embrace the concept of working from home and enjoying a lifestyle away from the traditional city commute.
“However, this is now a trend that is starting to swing back, with many people looking for a hybrid location that offers easy commuter access to key cities, while also providing a desirable mix of out-of-city amenities.
“As house prices continue to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer expectations, it is encouraging to see proposals being shared on how public transport can play an important role in the planning of housing developments and how this may offer new options for people when considering where to live.”
