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

Breaking News

Economic uncertainty tops agents’ worries in 2026

“Make-or-break” 2026 looms for estate agents as costs, red tape and reform pile pressure on sector Agents warn of ‘survival year’ ahead as new Alto Agency Trends Report reveals deep fears over rising costs and regulation UK estate and letting agents are heading into 2026 fearing a make-or-break year, as soaring costs, economic uncertainty and…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Strategies to Boost Estate Agent Networking

In the competitive world of UK property sales, mastering estate agent networking can transform your business trajectory. For instance, agents who prioritize targeted connections often see a surge in referrals and listings. This article explores 7 proven strategies drawn from industry insights, helping you build lasting professional relationships without relying on outdated tactics.​ Introduction to Estate Agent Networking Estate…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Why now is actually a great time to be a landlord

By Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director, Leaders.  For the past few years, there has been a succession of reports in the media about landlords selling up and quitting the industry. And it’s true that as legislation has been tightened and renters’ rights have been prioritised, it now takes more time, effort and knowledge to…
Read More
Breaking News

Modest house price growth may offset easing mortgage costs for home buyers this year

Analysis of new data* from Moneyfactscompare.co.uk illustrates how easing mortgage rates may allow for a modest growth in house prices in 2026 without improving or worsening current affordability pressures on first-time buyers and homemovers. *Consumers comparing mortgage deals on moneyfactscompare.co.uk in 2025 and Moneyfacts Average Mortgage Rates. First-time buyers Typical first-time buyers borrowed around £236,000 in…
Read More
Breaking News

More than 428 homes repossessed every month

New analysis from Springbok Properties reveals that based on historic trends an estimated 428 homes could be repossessed each month in 2026, a fact which threatens to create stress and concern for any families starting the new year off under financial pressure. Springbok Properties’ has analysed property repossession data from the UK House Price Index*…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Busiest ever Boxing Day on Rightmove as home-hunters prepare for 2026 move

Rightmove has recorded the busiest ever Boxing Day for visits to its platform: Visits to Rightmove on Boxing Day 2025 surpassed the previous record set in 2024 Visits to Rightmove nearly doubled (+93%) from the quietest day of the year, Christmas Day into Boxing Day, a bigger bounce in visits than last year Bounce in…
Read More