Data-driven ranking

Best places to live in the UK 2026

We analysed price growth, value per square foot, and market momentum across 14.1 million properties to rank the neighbourhoods where smart buyers are looking right now.

1

Headington, Oxford

South East

The fastest-growing neighbourhood in our dataset — and still 15% below the Oxford average per sqft.

6.2% growth
£298 per sqft
£625,000 avg
3,842 properties

Oxford's popular residential quarter — home to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Brookes University, and leafy streets of Edwardian semis with city-centre buses every few minutes.

6.2% price growthEdwardian and Victorian characterExcellent bus links to city centreStrong rental demand from universities
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2

Didsbury, Manchester

North West

Premium family living at 12% below the Manchester average — with 5.8% growth and counting.

5.8% growth
£329 per sqft
£1,150,000 avg
5,120 properties

South Manchester's village-feel suburb with excellent schools, green spaces, and a 20-minute tram ride to the city centre.

5.8% price growthEPC A-rated new builds available12% below area average per sqftExcellent Ofsted-rated schools
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Properties in Didsbury

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4 bed semi detached

Didsbury, M20 · ~1,658 sq ft

£569,000

Last sold

4 bed terraced

Didsbury, M20 · ~1,324 sq ft

£525,000

Last sold

3 bed detached

Didsbury, M20 · ~1,938 sq ft

£445,000

Last sold
3

Dulwich, London

London

South London's best-kept secret — village living with zone 2 connectivity and genuine value versus the prime postcodes.

3.8% growth
£412 per sqft
£1,250,000 avg
2,180 properties

South London's village enclave — the Dulwich Picture Gallery, extensive green space, and outstanding schools surrounded by characterful Victorian and Edwardian homes.

3.8% steady growthDulwich Park and Picture GalleryOutstanding school catchments9% below Southwark average per sqft
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Properties in Dulwich

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4 bed detached

Dulwich, SE19 · ~1,367 sq ft

£596,000

Last sold

4 bed detached

Dulwich, SE21 · ~1,819 sq ft

£890,000

Last sold

4 bed semi detached

Dulwich, SE22 · ~1,173 sq ft

£980,000

Last sold
4

Bathwick, Bath

South West

World Heritage location where period properties hold value better than almost anywhere in the UK.

3.1% growth
£552 per sqft
£2,650,000 avg
980 properties

Bath's elegant eastern quarter — Georgian terraces along the canal, minutes from the city centre and Sydney Gardens. Living history with modern amenities.

3.1% growthUNESCO World Heritage siteIconic Georgian architectureStrong international buyer interest
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5

Islington, London

London

Where creative professionals meet City money — Georgian terraces with genuine character and N1 cachet.

2.8% growth
£561 per sqft
£925,000 avg
1,640 properties

North London's cultural powerhouse — Georgian squares, Sadler's Wells, the Almeida Theatre, and Upper Street's restaurant mile all within walking distance.

2.8% growthGeorgian squares with garden accessUpper Street dining sceneExcellent Northern line and Overground links
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6

Hampstead, London

London

Still 6.7% below the prime North London average — the Heath premium continues to attract global buyers.

4.2% growth
£583 per sqft
£2,450,000 avg
2,380 properties

Village atmosphere minutes from central London, anchored by 790 acres of heath. Period homes with genuine character.

4.2% price growthHampstead Heath on doorstepIconic Victorian and Georgian stockNW3 — one of London's most desirable postcodes
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7

Richmond, London

London

Consistent growth and unmatched quality of life — a safe harbour in any market.

3.5% growth
£597 per sqft
£1,850,000 avg
1,920 properties

Georgian townhouses overlooking the Green, excellent schools, and London's largest Royal Park. A perennial favourite.

3.5% steady growthOutstanding school catchmentsRichmond Park and Thames towpathDirect trains to Waterloo
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8

Clifton, Bristol

South West

Bristol's most prestigious address — where Georgian villas hold value through every market cycle.

2.1% growth
£625 per sqft
£3,250,000 avg
1,280 properties

Georgian grandeur on the edge of the Downs, with the Suspension Bridge as a daily backdrop. Bristol's premium address.

Grade II listed stockClifton Suspension BridgeExcellent independent schools5.2% above area average
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Properties in Clifton

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How we ranked these neighbourhoods

Transparent methodology using real property data — not sponsorships or agent fees.

Our scoring formula

60%
Price growth

Year-on-year percentage change in average property values. Momentum matters.

40%
Value per sqft

Lower price per square foot = more room for growth. We favour areas that are undervalued relative to their quality.

All data sourced from Land Registry transaction records and AI valuations across our database of 14.1 million UK property addresses.

Three patterns we spotted

The value gap is real

The top two locations are priced significantly below their area averages. The market hasn't caught up with the fundamentals yet.

Character commands a premium

Victorian and Georgian stock outperforms modern builds on growth rate. Buyers are paying for irreplaceable architecture.

The lifestyle shift continues

Remote work has made Manchester and Oxford genuinely competitive with zone 2-3 London for the first time.

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