Scotland and North England house prices to thrive as values in London fall, Zoopla predicts

According to Zoopla, Scotland has one of the best market conditions for growth in 2026, as there is less unsold stock, which should result in fewer asking price reductions and faster price growth. 

 Top 10 housing markets in the UK

UK rank	Postal area Sponsored Aldermore Insights with Jon Cooper: Edition 9 – Why lending strategy is becoming more central in buy to let Sponsored by Aldermore	Country/region	Average price	House price growth (% YOY)	Time to sell (days)	% stock >6m old	Asking price cut >5%
1	ML – Motherwell	Scotland	£134,700	3.4%	14	7%	8%
2	G – Glasgow	Scotland	£163,600	3%	14	6%	4%
3	PA – Paisley	Scotland	£139,500	3.4%	17	7%	13%
4	FK – Falkirk	Scotland	£170,600	4.2%	14	5%	8%
5	KY – Kirkcaldy	Scotland	£171,400	4.2%	17	6%	13%
6	EH – Edinburgh	Scotland	£251,500	1.7%	14	6%	9%
7	KA – Kilmarnock	Scotland	£126,200	2.4%	22	11%	13%
8	PH – Perth	Scotland	£206,200	3.1%	25	8%	22%
9	IV – Inverness	Scotland	£207,100	3.5%	24	6%	23%
10	WN – Wigan	North West	£175,800	3%	32	9%	19%

In England, the Northern regions are set to enjoy the most growth, with Wigan forecast to have the most potential. The town is closely followed by Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent. 

Zoopla found that markets in the North West accounted for six out of the 10 regions expected to perform well in 2026, while markets beyond the North and Midlands did not feature. 

The firm said these markets were areas where homes were affordable or close to places of employment, as well as a lack of homes for sale. 

Top 10 markets in England with best prospects for 2026

London and the South of England were among the housing markets set to perform the worst this year, attributed to higher house prices and adjustments to higher mortgage rates. 

Bottom-ranked housing markets in England

Zoopla said its market predictions last year were a good indicator of the 2025 market. House prices in the UK rose by 1.5% over the year to November, ranging from 3% growth in the better-performing markets to a 1.2% fall in the least active markets. 

The firm said the same growth pattern was expected this year. 

Not a one-speed housing market 

Alex Rose, commercial director at Zoopla, said: “This data brings into sharp focus that there isn’t a one-speed national property market, with conditions varying significantly across the country. In places like Scotland and the North, sellers are benefitting from strong demand and faster sales, while in many Southern markets, success is more dependent on setting a competitive asking price to attract increasingly selective buyers. 

“Agents who can clearly explain where their local market sits within this national picture and tailor their strategy accordingly have a real opportunity to get ahead of the competition, win trust and instructions, and ultimately grow their business in 2026.” 

Kevin Shaw, national sales managing director at LRG, added: “This report captures the North-South story well. The point isn’t that one part of England is ‘winning’ – it’s that markets move to different rhythms. 

“Many Northern markets haven’t been on the same rollercoaster as parts of the South. Property prices often rise in a steadier way in the good years, so they tend to fall less when sentiment turns. The temperature is generally more consistent.” 

Shaw said: “By contrast, the South can overheat – and it can also catch a cold. Higher values can mean greater sensitivity to mortgage rates, affordability and confidence. That can translate into a longer adjustment period, even while demand for the right homes remains resilient.”