By 2028, Britain’s average house price will have risen 84% since 2010, taking the average cost of a home to £289,500.
It’s pretty bleak when buying a house in London already, with costs hitting an average of £665,178, according to Rightmove.
But there’s one ‘under-appreciated’ UK region that is set to overtake the capital in house price growth – and it’s not in the south.
If you catch a train an hour-and-a-half north, you’ll find yourself in the East Midlands, which by 2028 will have seen growth of 94%.
This is according to analysis by Hamptons, which suggests come 2026, areas like Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and Stamford (among others) will be outperforming the big smoke.
The estate agent has dubbed this the year of the ‘regional power shift’ so if you want to make a good investment, buying in the East Midlands may serve you well.
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In fact, London will slip to fourth place when it comes to the increasing cost of home buying, with the West Midlands seeing growth of 90%, and the North West seeing an 88% increase.
What does the East Midlands have to offer?
While the 90 minute commute to London may feel a bit of a slog, it has a lot of appeal. In fact, social media users on Reddit have branded it ‘under-appreciated’, and it’s not hard to see why.
The culture-rich region offers everything from history to green spaces and shopping to transport hubs.
Here are our top picks for where to settle down…
Nottingham
In Robin Hood’s Nottingham, you’ll find the stunning Sherwood Forest packed with walking trails with 1,000-year-old trees, and Wollaton Hall, where The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.
In the creative quarter, you’ll find creative businesses, upmarket bars, and a big selection of restaurants, not to mention second-hand bookshops, which make the perfect setting for a meet-cute.
You’re also a stone’s throw from East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport for a much-needed holiday. With the average house price being £239,774, it could be a good place to settle down.
As a former Nottingham resident myself, I spent the best three years of my life there, going out every week with friends to the likes of Penny Lane (a great arcade bar) and cocktail bar Pepper Rocks. By day, I’d wander the deer park at Wollaton Hall, coffee in hand, and take in the views.
It, quite simply, has something for everyone, and if you’re looking to start a family, it’s the place to do it.
Derby
Derby is another city that could appeal to you, with house prices averaging £252,857, and just under a 90-minute commute to London.
You’ve got its Cathedral Quarter with shopping, food and drink offerings, and buzzing nightlife, as well as the grand Chatsworth House with a 1,000-acre park, which makes for a great day out.
If you’re a big foodie, Bustler Market is a monthly street food market which is sure to satisfy, and if you’ve got kids, Bluebell Dairy Farm offers a petting zoo and play park.
Leicester
Leicester is a multicultural, vibrant city where a house will typically set you back £281,736.
It’s home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of Asia, and The Golden Mile is lined with Indian jewellery and saree shops, as well as Asian and East African dining spots.
If you prefer a slower-paced day out, head to Leicester Castle Gardens or the Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum for pretty herb gardens and glasshouses.
Stamford
For townies, the thriving market town of Stamford is a great option with stone buildings and former coaching inns.
A property here is pricier, around £341,220, and a train into London takes an hour and 11 minutes, but boy, is it pretty.
There are more than 600 listed buildings, and it’s great for independent shops tucked down quaint streets, and you can meander along the River Welland through the centre of town.
Burghley House Gardens and the manor itself offer stunning views, lavender and roaming deer, while Tallington Lakes Leisure Park is great for those who enjoy water sports.
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