Branching Out?
30th July 2026
Our Property Market is Branching Out!
You know, if there's one thing we've learned from watching the property market this summer, it's that there isn't really just one "UK housing market" anymore. It feels like things are really splitting off into different directions depending on where you call home.
The latest numbers from Lloyds in July showed that, on average, UK house prices have stayed pretty much the same – just a tiny 0.1% increase from last year, with the average home sitting around £299,253. But when you look at the different regions? Wow, the differences are huge!
We saw the North East growing nicely at 2.8% year-on-year, and the North West wasn't far behind with 2.1% growth. But over in the South East, prices have dipped by 2%, and Greater London saw a 1.3% fall.
This growing divide between the North and the South is honestly one of the most fascinating things happening in UK property right now.
Why Are Some Areas Doing Better?
So, what's making some places hold their own so much better?
Affordability is a big one, for sure.
Job opportunities are playing a role, as are investments in local infrastructure.
And, of course, how much homes cost in relation to everything else is really influencing where people are choosing to put down roots and invest their money.
What This Means for Us
For folks looking to buy, this can actually be really positive news! If you've been priced out of one area, you might find a lot more possibilities opening up for you elsewhere.
For those of us who like to invest, it really highlights how important it is to look past those big national headlines and focus on what's happening right on our doorstep.
And for anyone thinking of selling? It just reinforces something we've always believed: your local market is way more important than the national average. That headline saying "UK house prices are flat" can mean something totally different whether you're in Sussex, Manchester, London, or Newcastle.
Here at Home + Castle, we know that property is all about the local scene. The real value of a home isn't some national number. It's all about that specific house, its spot, how it's been looked after, who's looking for a place like it, and the demand right here in our community.
Our Perspective
Don't just make property decisions based on what you read in the big national news. Let's make sure we're all really understanding what's happening right here in our own neck of the woods!