Northern England and Scotland are expected to lead the way as the top property hotspots in the UK this year. Zoopla, a housing website, examined four key factors to determine which postcodes would see the most demand: affordability, average time to sell a home, percentage of properties on the market for over six months, and likelihood of price reductions.
Based on these criteria, certain postal areas are projected to have the best prospects for 2026. The top-ranking areas typically have fast-selling homes, minimal price cuts, and low unsold inventory. Scotland particularly stands out, claiming nine out of the top 10 spots due to a combination of these favorable conditions.
According to Zoopla, the most promising postcode for this year is Motherwell (ML), with an anticipated 3.4% price increase to £134,700. Properties in Motherwell sell swiftly, usually within 14 days, and only 7% remain on the market for more than six months. Glasgow follows closely, with an average property price of £163,600 and a predicted 3% growth, reflecting similar quick selling times and few price reductions.
In England, the North West features prominently on Zoopla’s list of potential hotspots, with Wigan’s WN postcode making it into the national top 10. Wigan boasts an affordable average property price of £175,800, despite a slightly longer selling time compared to the national average.
Liverpool ranks 11th, with a projected 3.5% price increase this year. Other English areas expected to have strong property markets include Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carlisle, and Northampton. Conversely, formerly booming areas now find themselves at the bottom of the list, with London’s West Central (WC) area forecasted to experience a 1.8% price decrease.
Wales sees Cardiff as a top property destination, with only 9% of homes in the city lingering on the market for more than six months. Northern Ireland has experienced significant house price inflation, with Belfast ranking 25th nationally this year.
Richard Donnell, Zoopla’s executive director, emphasizes the importance of considering local market conditions for housing decisions. He points out that while Scotland and Northern England offer strong prospects, opportunities exist across the UK. Donnell advises sellers and buyers to seek local insights to navigate market conditions successfully and make informed decisions in 2026.