Sellers of detached properties have earned average gains more than double those achieved by flat owners over the past 18 months, according to new analysis of property sales data by Zoopla.
Across England and Wales, the average seller made £72,000 on their home, representing a 38% increase in value since purchase.
The typical time between buying and selling was nine years, highlighting how long-term ownership remains a key driver of capital gains.
Detached properties have delivered the biggest returns, with average sellers pocketing £122,500 – 70% above the national average. Semi-detached homes followed closely with gains of £80,000, up 44%, while terraced homes also saw solid returns.
AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES
By contrast, flat owners have experienced far weaker growth, with average gains of £27,000 – a rise of just 15% – reflecting the impact of affordability pressures and buyers’ shift toward larger homes offering more space.
Regional disparities remain stark. Sellers in London achieved average gains of £130,000, equivalent to 35% of their purchase price, while those in the South East saw £94,000. In the North East, average gains were just £35,000, or 26%, constrained by slower post-financial crisis price recovery.
In contrast, homeowners in Wales, the Midlands and the North West saw price appreciation between 41% and 45%, benefiting from lower initial purchase prices.
The data also reveals what Zoopla describes as a “tenure trap”, where homeowners who sold after 15 to 20 years made smaller gains than those who sold after 10 to 15 years, particularly in Northern regions.
HIGHEST CAPITAL RETURNS
Sellers who held property for over 20 years, however, achieved the highest capital returns – up to £361,500 in London and £225,000 in Southern England – having bypassed the 2008 crash and captured multiple periods of strong price growth.
Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, says: “British homeowners are sitting on sizable capital gains from years of historic house price inflation which varies widely by geography and property type.
“The scale of gains from historic price inflation is unlikely to be repeated in future with lower levels of annual price inflation in more recent years than in the past.
HIGHEST STOCK IN SEVEN YEARS
And he adds: “Estate agents currently have the highest stock of homes for sale in over seven years.
“This is boosting choice for buyers meaning it is very important that sellers are realistic over how they set their asking price. Homes that attract limited interest and require a price reduction can take twice as long to sell.”
Almost 5 million homeowners are now subscribed to Zoopla’s MyHome tool, which helps track a property’s estimated value, local market activity and buyer demand – giving sellers insight into how pricing decisions affect saleability in a shifting market.
TARGETED HOUSING POLICY
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “The stronger capital gains seen in larger family homes reflect a continued imbalance between housing supply and buyer demand in this segment of the market.
“Detached and semi-detached properties, particularly those with outdoor space and room to grow, have remained highly desirable, especially following shifts in lifestyle and working patterns post-pandemic.
“However, flats, particularly those in urban centres or with shorter leases, have seen more modest growth due to affordability constraints, leasehold complexities, and evolving buyer preferences.
“This highlights the need for a targeted housing policy that supports a wider mix of new homes, ensures leasehold reform progresses, and meets the needs of both growing families and first-time buyers.”
