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North of England Leads UK’s Fastest-Moving Property Markets, Zoopla Reveals
New data from property portal Zoopla has identified the fastest-moving property markets across England and Wales, with the North of England taking the lead in recent rankings. The latest analysis for the first quarter of 2025 highlights the strong performance of the Northern housing market, with six regions in the North West and North East featuring in the top ten list. Notably, home sales in some Northern areas are proceeding nearly three times as quickly as in parts of London.
Regional Performance: North vs. South
Manchester emerged as the most rapid property market in the North, with properties typically selling within just 19 days. This contrasts sharply with areas like Kensington and Chelsea, identified as one of the slowest markets, where homes remained on the market for an average of 58 days. Other Northern locations included in the top ten for swift sales are Carlisle, Stockport, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Halton.
Across the North West and North East regions, the average time to sell a home is 32 days, which is two days faster than the UK average of 34 days. Although Zoopla reported an increase in buyer interest across southern England, this rise in demand has not kept pace with the growing number of properties available for sale.
Impact of Council Tax on Second Homes
The introduction of double council tax on second homes by 150 councils across the UK appears to be influencing market speed. Properties in locations popular for second homes, particularly coastal towns, are experiencing longer times on the market.
Case Studies: Council Tax and Sales Time
- North Devon: Following a 100% increase in council tax on second homes on April 1st, properties in North Devon are now taking an average of 55 days to sell.
- Gwynedd, Wales: In the Welsh county of Gwynedd, another area with a high proportion of second homes and a 150% council tax increase, the average sales time is 59 days.
National Trends and London Outlier
Across the wider UK, Scotland is currently seeing the fastest property transactions, with homes typically spending an average of 21 days on the market before a sale is agreed.
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Despite the overall dominance of the North in rapid property sales, Waltham Forest in North East London has emerged as the quickest market in England and Wales this year, matching Manchester with an average sales time of 19 days.
Waltham Forest’s Appeal
This North East London borough’s popularity is attributed to several factors, including reputable schools, low crime rates, and abundant green spaces. These features make Waltham Forest a desirable location for families seeking to live within commuting distance of central London.
Property Types and Market Speed
Smaller family homes are selling most rapidly. Two and three-bedroom houses are the fastest-selling property types, with an average sales time of 23 days. In contrast, flats and homes with four or more bedrooms are taking longer to sell, primarily due to greater availability and supply in the market.
Expert Analysis
Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, noted the trend of smaller family homes selling quickly. He advised sellers in the current market to be realistic with pricing. “Buyers have significantly more housing choices available now compared to last year,” Donnell stated. “Setting asking prices too high is likely to affect how quickly a property sells and may extend the time required to agree a sale.”