Areas of the country at risk if Interest Rates Rise.

Interest rate rises, well we have been speaking about this now for years or what now seems decades and we are yet to see them as the government knows the real risk to the country as a whole when they do in fact have to raise them. Locations across the country do vary in regards to levels of debt, loan to income ratios etc.

A recent article in the Telegraph by  highlights the ten most vulnerable places to rate rises with Newham being placed first along with Barking & Dagenham and Harlow in the top ten.

Higher mortgage rates is probably something which for many they have forgotten about as they have lived off the back of low interest rates, a rocketing high price situation and temptation to the likes of re-mortgaging to release cash etc… All pointing to a huge problem if interest rates rise.

Many new to the property marketing will of course also be vulnerable as they will have likely paid the most for their property so if we see a drop in property prices they will also face negative equity, this combination being quite the most serious of positions to be in. Older population, especially those out in rural locations may well be least effected as they will be seeing out the last few years of their mortgages and house prices will have risen sufficiently high enough to make most interest rate rises and property price falls unlikely to effect them, hence the likes of North Norfolk and West Somerset are in the top ten of the least exposed local authorities.

Map showing average loan to value ratios from Savills:
Map showing average loan to income ratios from Savills:

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

The Future of Urban Real Estate: Trends and Predictions for 2026

Affordability pressures, hybrid work arrangements, and steep borrowing costs are heavy influences on urban real estate for 2026. We’re seeing an increase in mixed-use development and a renewed focus from investors on markets with a steady demand. Markets that can balance housing access, transportation, lifestyle amenities, and flexible workplaces will come out on top. Major…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

London’s prime residential market isn’t falling — it’s repricing

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners London’s prime residential market has looked subdued by global standards, but framing current conditions as a decline overlooks the more important underlying dynamic. The market is undergoing structural repricing driven by higher interest rates, shifting tax policy and a more volatile geopolitical environment. This is not…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – April 2026

Market activity strengthens with applicant demand recovering and supply remaining ahead of last year   After the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, April provides the final snapshot of market conditions ahead of implementation, offering a clear benchmark for how the sector is positioned entering this new regulatory environment. The lettings market strengthened through the…
Read More
Breaking News

Five hidden costs catching home buyers out

FIVE hidden costs that’re catching home buyers out, AFTER they put their offer in, says expert • Buyers often focus on deposits and mortgages, but overlook thousands in extra costs • Delays, surveys and legal fees can quickly inflate budgets • Unexpected gaps in funding are becoming increasingly common A lot of home buyers think…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: March 2026

Buyer activity and sales agreed picked up this month as the housing market entered the spring season, with increased stock levels giving consumers more choice despite ongoing affordability pressures. Meanwhile, the rental market remained highly competitive, as tenant demand continued to outstrip supply and concerns over future regulation weighed on landlord confidence. Sales 1. The…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Act risks leaving the tenants it set out to protect with fewer options

Fewer than a third of landlords are fully aware that the Renters’ Rights Act bans advance rent payments of more than one month, according to new research from LRG. The survey of 650 landlords and tenants across England and Wales found that 43% know the rules have changed but remain uncertain of the details, while…
Read More