Northern England and Scotland are expected to lead the way as the top property hotspots in the UK for the upcoming year. Using a comprehensive approach, housing website Zoopla evaluated key metrics such as affordability, average selling time, percentage of properties on the market for over six months, and the likelihood of price reductions to determine the most promising postal areas for 2026. The areas topping the list demonstrated fast home sales, minimal price cuts, and low unsold inventory.
Scotland notably dominated the rankings, securing nine out of the top 10 spots based on these criteria. According to Zoopla’s analysis, the most promising postcode for the year is Motherwell (ML), with an anticipated 3.4% price increase to £134,700. Homes in Motherwell typically sell within 14 days, with only 7% of properties remaining unsold for over six months. Glasgow followed closely as the runner-up, with an average property price of £163,600 projected to rise by 3%, and a quick selling time of two weeks.
In England, the North West region, particularly Wigan’s WN postcode, emerged as a standout hotspot on Zoopla’s national top 10 list. Wigan boasts an affordable average property price of £175,800, with a predicted 3% increase this year. However, homes in Wigan take around 32 days to sell, slightly longer than the national average of 39 days.
Liverpool ranked 11th on the list, with a forecasted 3.5% increase in property prices. Other English locations expected to have strong property markets in 2026 include Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carlisle, and Northampton. Conversely, previously high-flying areas in terms of house prices now find themselves at the bottom of the list, with London’s West Central (WC) area projected to experience a 1.8% price decrease this year.
In Wales, Cardiff stands out as a promising property market, with only 9% of homes in the city listed for over six months. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland experienced robust house price inflation over the past year, with average prices rising by 6.5%, notably driven by Belfast’s market performance.
Richard Donnell, Zoopla’s executive director, emphasized the significance of local housing market conditions in making informed decisions in 2026. While Scotland and Northern England offer strong prospects, opportunities for growth exist across the UK where demand and affordability align. Donnell highlighted the importance of understanding local market dynamics and tailoring strategies for successful property transactions in the year ahead.