Northern England and Scotland are expected to lead the way as the top property hotspots in the UK this year. Zoopla, a housing website, utilized four main criteria to determine the most promising postcodes: affordability, average time taken to sell a home, the percentage of properties on the market for over six months, and the probability of price reductions.
Based on these factors, certain postal areas are anticipated to have the best prospects in 2026. Regions ranking highest generally experience swift home sales, minimal price reductions, and below-average unsold inventory. Scotland particularly stands out, claiming nine out of the top 10 spots due to a combination of these factors.
According to Zoopla, Motherwell (ML) tops the list with projected price growth of 3.4% to £134,700. Homes in Motherwell typically sell within 14 days, with only 7% of properties on the market for more than six months. Glasgow follows closely behind, with an average property price of £163,600 set to rise by 3%, and an average selling time of just two weeks.
In England, the North West, especially Wigan’s WN postcode, features prominently in Zoopla’s top 10 national rankings. Wigan boasts an affordable average property price of £175,800, with a predicted 3% increase this year. However, homes in Wigan tend to sell in around 32 days, only slightly faster than the national average of 39 days.
Liverpool ranks 11th, with a forecasted 3.5% price increase. Other English locations expected to perform well in the property market this year include Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carlisle, and Northampton.
Conversely, former high-flying property markets now find themselves at the bottom of the list. London’s West Central (WC) area is expected to see a further 1.8% price decline this year, despite its high average price of £797,600. Properties in this postcode take an average of 82 days to sell, with 14% on the market for over six months and over half of sellers reducing their asking price by at least 5%.
In Wales, Cardiff is projected to be a sought-after property destination, with only 9% of homes currently on the market for over six months. Northern Ireland has experienced significant house price inflation, with average prices up by 6.5% in the past year. Belfast ranks 25th on the national list for 2026.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, emphasized the importance of local housing market conditions for making informed decisions in 2026. He highlighted the areas with the strongest potential for sales growth and above-average price increases, advising sellers and buyers to consider factors like value, affordability, demand, and local selling times when navigating the property market.
While Scotland and Northern England present the most promising prospects, opportunities exist across the UK where demand and affordability align well. Slower price growth is expected in lower-ranked markets, particularly in Southern England and London, although increased affordability suggests a more positive outlook for London compared to recent years. Donnell stressed the significance of individual property characteristics and local demand in achieving successful sales, recommending sellers consult with local agents for tailored insights into pricing and marketing strategies.