New analysis from property platform Rightmove reveals that lower-priced areas had the biggest jump in asking prices on average during 2025.

Looking at the 50 areas where the average asking price for a home increased the most in 2025, 43 were priced below the current national average of £368,031, indicating affordability as a key driver of price growth last year.

The average asking price for a home across the top 50 areas where asking prices grew the most last year is £270,711 – 26% or nearly £100,000 below the national average.

Hawick in Roxburghshire in the Scottish Borders rose the most in asking prices on average during 2025, with the average asking price of a home increasing by 18% to £148,633.

Durham came second, with average asking prices rising by 15% to £251,339. Stannington in Sheffield came third, with a 12% increase in asking prices – with the average asking price for a home rising to £264,078.

National average asking prices at the end of 2025 were 0.6% lower than at the end of 2024. Regional trends are closely linked to prices, with lower-priced regions making up the majority of 2025’s price growth list.

Scotland is the most represented region in the top 50 list, with 12 locations, followed by the North West and Yorkshire & The Humber with eight.

London, where the current average asking price for a home is by far the highest in the UK at £679,782, did not have any areas in the top 50 for price growth last year.

Another trend that emerged from the analysis is the popularity of suburbs within easy access of city centres. Looking at the top ten price growth locations of 2025, it contains areas outside the city centres of Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull & Glasgow – as well as the city of Durham itself.

With many businesses continuing to ask employees to come into the office more frequently, buyers appear to be balancing affordability with commuting distance.

Looking across the top 50 areas where prices have risen the fastest, there is also a trend of locations being near to universities or major NHS trusts.

Commenting on the latest findings Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock said: “There is typically a larger pool of buyers who are looking to move within more affordable price brackets. Therefore, locations with more homes that fall under the average asking price can see more demand from buyers, and that underpins house price growth in those areas”

Dan Mirfin, branch manager at Manning Stainton Beeston commented: “From our perspective on the ground, areas such as Beeston are seeing strong price growth because they sit at the intersection of affordability, connectivity and long-term demand. Beeston remains comparatively good value for money for first-time buyers, particularly when compared to more established suburbs closer to the city centre, while still offering excellent transport links into Leeds.

“We’re also seeing continued interest from investors, with Beeston delivering some of the strongest rental yields in the city. Proximity to major employers, universities and the city centre means rental demand remains high, which in turn supports both pricing and competition for well-presented homes.”