The most active housing markets in England over the last five years and how it has developed
The Yopa agency has analysed the UK property sector. As a result, experts have identified London as the country’s most active housing market. Previously, East Anglia was in the lead. The local market was the most popular with buyers for five years but has now lost its position.
In its analysis, Yopa considered the total number of housing transactions over five years. This figure has been in comparison with the number of owner-occupier properties. This calculation was carried out for each region. The results of the study were as follows:
– the number of dwellings sold in England over five years was 3.9 million;
– this figure represents 23.9% of the total number of owner-occupied homes;
– the East of England market was the most active, with 24.5% of sales;
– the West Midlands was the least active at 23.1%.
Overall, these results suggest that, despite high prices and limited supply, there is demand in the market.
The situation in London
Despite East Anglia’s strong performance, London is the most active local market. It indicates a significant number of property transactions in the capital due to its high population density, economic attractiveness and high demand for housing. Experts have highlighted the following locations:
– Tower Hamlets is the leader. There were 16483 transactions here over five years. This represents 43% of all properties in the area that are owner-occupied;
– second is Hackney with 34.8%;
– Lambeth comes third with a similar proportion of 34.8%;
– followed by Wandsworth (33%).
The lowest proportion of owner-occupiers is in Hammersmith and Fulham. Here the figure is around 30%.
Outside the capital, the Norwich market has been very active. Over five years, owners sold 9,739 residential properties here, representing 31.2% of all owner-occupied homes.
Analysts note good indicators in South Derbyshire, Hastings and Milton Keynes. The situation is different in Brent, Harrow and Redbridge. These have the lowest ratio of homes sold to owner-occupied – around 16.5%.
According to Steve Anderson of Yopa, the housing market in England is showing good momentum. However, at the local authority level, the picture is less optimistic. Several regions are seeing a decline in activity, with some locations experiencing declines of up to 43%. Such disparities are primarily indicative of uneven market development. Limited supply in some regions of the country also plays a role. A detailed market analysis helps to understand buyer demand better and identify problems.