Average asking price growth in the six cities themselves has been more modest. Glasgow recorded annual growth of 2.9% to £191,530, Manchester 1.8% to £261,212, and Cardiff 1.4% to £285,596. Birmingham and Bristol each fell 0.6% to £251,340 and £375,205 respectively, while London declined 3.1% to £646,451.
The divergence between northern and southern commuter markets reflects broader national trends. Haywards Heath in Sussex recorded the steepest annual decline among commuter locations analysed, falling 4.8% to £461,066, followed by Maidenhead at -3.9% to £571,686 and Bath at -3.8% to £508,109.
Top 15 commuter hotspots with the biggest price falls
| Commuter area | Nearby city | Average asking price | Annual price change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haywards Heath, West Sussex | London | £461,066 | -4.8% |
| Maidenhead, Berkshire | London | £571,686 | -3.9% |
| Bath, Somerset | Bristol | £508,109 | -3.8% |
| Leamington Spa, Warwickshire | Birmingham | £369,612 | -3.3% |
| Reading, Berkshire | London | £377,211 | -2.9% |
| Billericay, Essex | London | £558,087 | -2.8% |
| Yate, Bristol | Bristol | £331,921 | -2.3% |
| Slough, Berkshire | London | £405,182 | -2.2% |
| Chelmsford, Essex | London | £402,836 | -2.1% |
| Basingstoke, Hampshire | London | £353,642 | -1.9% |
| Woking, Surrey | London | £509,550 | -1.7% |
| Tonbridge, Kent | London | £483,362 | -1.5% |
| Redhill, Surrey | London | £426,481 | -1.3% |
| Brentwood, Essex | London | £559,908 | -1.2% |
| Caerphilly | Cardiff | £251,142 | -1.2% |
Source: Rightmove
“Our data highlights two very different stories playing out across some of Britain’s commuter markets,” said Colleen Babcock (pictured right), property expert at Rightmove. “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. For anyone considering a move, it’s a reminder that looking a little further beyond the main city locations can often open up more options and better value for money.”
Ian Harris (pictured right), president of industry body NAEA Propertymark, pointed to shifting attitudes towards location since the pandemic. “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen an initial reformatting of what many people want and need from the location they choose to live in,” he said.
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