UK Housing Market Insight: Zoopla Market Rankings 2026
- Sean McMahon
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
What does this mean for you?
In January 2026, Zoopla released its latest Market Rankings, analysing every UK postcode to show which areas are likely to see the strongest house price growth this year. Their research considers key local indicators — including affordability, time to sell, and stock levels — to give a more meaningful picture of where the housing market is heading in 2026.
Why Local Matters More Than Ever
Zoopla’s data shows that national averages don’t tell the whole story. While overall UK prices may rise modestly, local market conditions will dictate real results. Smaller cities and towns with strong demand, less unsold stock, and faster sale times are set to outperform more expensive or oversupplied markets.
Scotland and the North West Take the Lead
The report highlights that Scotland and the North West of England dominate the top growth prospects for 2026:
Scottish markets occupy most of the top positions in the rankings.
Areas here benefit from below-average home prices and strong buyer demand, helping homes sell more quickly and with fewer price reductions.
Outside Scotland, Wigan, Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent also feature prominently — mainly due to affordability and sustained interest from buyers.
This regional pattern emphasises that where you are selling matters just as much as when — local dynamics can significantly impact price performance.
Southern England & London — Slower Growth
In contrast, many markets in Southern England and London appear lower in the rankings. Zoopla attributes this to:
Higher asking prices, which reduce affordability for many buyers.
Increased stock levels, giving buyers more choice and less urgency.
Longer selling times, meaning homes may take weeks longer to go under offer.
While these markets still offer opportunities, sellers may need focused pricing strategies and standout marketing to attract serious buyers.
Here is the top 10
UK rank | Postal area | Average house price | Annual price growth | Days to sell | % homes with asking price cut 5%+ | % homes on market for 6m+ |
1 | Motherwell | £134,700 | 3.4% | 14 | 7% | 8% |
2 | Glasgow | £163,600 | 3.0% | 14 | 6% | 4% |
3 | Paisley | £139,500 | 3.4% | 17 | 7% | 13% |
4 | Falkirk | £170,600 | 4.2% | 14 | 5% | 8% |
5 | Kirkcaldy | £171,400 | 4.2% | 17 | 6% | 13% |
6 | Edinburgh | £251,500 | 1.7% | 14 | 6% | 9% |
7 | Kilmarnock | £126,200 | 2.4% | 22 | 11% | 13% |
8 | Perth | £206,200 | 3.1% | 25 | 8% | 22% |
9 | Inverness | £207,100 | 3.5% | 24 | 6% | 23% |
10 | Wigan | £175,800 | 3.0% | 32 | 9% | 19% |
What This Means If You’re Selling
Here are the key takeaways from Zoopla’s 2026 rankings for prospective sellers:
🔹 Understand your local market – general UK trends don’t always reflect your postcode’s performance.
🔹 Homes in high-demand areas sell faster and often closer to asking price, reducing time on market and unnecessary price reductions.
🔹 Markets with slower growth need pricing finesse and exceptional marketing to secure strong offers.
Check How Much Your Property Value Has Changed
One of the most useful tools available to homeowners right now is the ability to track how your property’s value has shifted over time — often without even speaking to an agent like myself:
Selling with Local Expertise Makes a Difference
Reports like Zoopla’s remind us that property markets are local — and hyper-local. Working with someone who understands your specific area’s demand, pricing sensitivities and buyer behaviours can be the difference between a quick, successful sale and a slow, frustrating experience.
We advertise all of our properties on Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation and OnTheMarket so that we give our clients the very best coverage. Feel free to drop me a message at 07304 058040 if I can help or if you have any questions.
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