Britain's Property Boom: Hotspots Ignite as Sales Surge, Affordability Drives Market

New data from property giant Rightmove has unveiled a significant surge in property sales across Britain, with some areas seeing activity almost double in the past year. May 2025 marked the busiest month for agreed property sales since March 2022, signaling a clear improvement in housing market conditions nationwide, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

Across the UK, the number of sales agreed stands 6% higher than the same period last year. This positive trend, however, is not uniform. Wales is leading the charge with a robust 15% increase in agreed sales year-on-year, while London trails with a modest 1% rise.

Heywood Leads the Charge in Sales Surge

May's undisputed sales hotspot is Heywood in Manchester, which witnessed a remarkable 88% increase in buyers agreeing to a deal compared to last year. Close behind is Pudsey in West Yorkshire, with an impressive 85% surge in property sales. Wilmslow in Cheshire also experienced a substantial uplift, with a two-thirds increase in sales activity since May last year.

According to Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, the success of these areas is heavily influenced by buyers prioritizing both affordability and value. "This month's hotspots reflect broader market trends driven by affordability and attractive property prices," stated Babcock. She highlighted that while mortgage rates have eased from their peak, they remain only slightly below last year's levels. This continues to push buyers towards areas where their money stretches further. Notably, nine out of the top ten sales hotspots outside London boast average price tags below the current national average.

Babcock also advised sellers to be mindful of the competitive landscape, with the overall number of properties on the market at a decade-high. "Working with a local agent to price realistically and competitively for that market, rather than pricing too high, is one way to increase the likelihood of a successful sale," she cautioned.

Best Places to Buy: Insights for Different Buyers

For first-time buyers with little income, the current market trends suggest looking towards areas where affordability is key. Rightmove's data indicates that many of the sales hotspots, like Heywood and Pudsey, offer average property prices below the national average. Cities frequently cited as affordable for first-time buyers include Bradford, Carlisle, Sunderland, Preston, and Aberdeen. These locations often present a more accessible entry point to the property ladder, with lower average asking prices and potentially more manageable mortgage payments compared to renting.

For those seeking the best buy property for long-term investment, cities with strong economic growth, regeneration projects, and consistent rental demand are typically recommended. Experts often point to major regional hubs such as Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Sheffield. These cities benefit from expanding job markets, thriving student populations, and ongoing urban development, which contribute to sustained property value appreciation over time.

For newly arrived immigrants, particularly Muslims and Asians, the choice of location often involves factors beyond just price, including access to community support, cultural amenities, and religious facilities. Historically, newly arrived migrants have settled in areas with affordable housing and existing social and cultural networks. While specific "best" locations aren't universally defined and depend on individual needs, areas with established and diverse communities, often found in larger cities or specific boroughs within them, may be appealing. Examples include parts of Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, and certain areas within London known for their diverse populations and community infrastructure. It's crucial for newcomers to research local amenities, community groups, and transport links to find an area that best suits their specific requirements and preferences.

The latest Rightmove report underscores a dynamic and evolving housing market, where strategic choices based on affordability, value, and long-term potential are becoming increasingly vital for all types of buyers.