London house gap at 20yr high

According to Hometrack Cities House Price Index, the gap between house prices in London and other major  cities  across the UK is at its widest for 20 years, this is despite reports of a reduction in the gap between regional house prices, city level figures confirm that the slowdown in London is not happening.

Hometrack date showed homebuyers can expect to save on average £300,000 if they buy in Manchester instead of London,   the gap however  is at it’s biggest when comparing like for like between Glasgow and London where  buyers could expect 75% saving.

City level house price inflation is running at 8.3% up from 6.6% in May,  the low replacement rate of stock continues to create scarcity and helps to  sustain the upward pressure on house prices, added to that the ever lower interest rates have added to an increase in mortgage approvals for home purchase in the past six months.

Richard Donnell, Director of research at Hometrack, reportedly said: “A changing mix of buyers is compounding the scarcity of housing for sale with rising numbers of first-time buyers and investors buying property while having nothing to sell. Only a recovery in the number of moves among existing homeowners or an increase in new supply will ease the current housing scarcity – which seems unlikely in the near term.

“London’s price earnings ratio is at an all-time high, while there remains value in most other regional cities. The pricing differential with London could well assist city regions to attract new investment as the cost of housing starts to influence decision-making for both households and businesses.”

See Hometrack website for full details: https://www.hometrack.com/uk/insight/uk-cities-house-price-index/

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Our predictions for the property market in the second half of 2026

Allison Thompson, Chief Lettings Officer, Leaders part of LRG. There is a lot going on right now that’s impacting the property market, both in terms of direct legislation and the wider economy: Global conflicts affecting consumer confidence and interest rates Ongoing cost of living issues challenging affordability for homeowners and renters The recent introduction of…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 14/7/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   REVIEW: The Future of Real Estate Education: From Pedagogy to Technology Author Mr. Hugh Kelly, Ph.D., CRE Emeritus   Edited by Karen M. McGrath, Elaine M. Worzala, and Pernille H. Christensen. (Routledge, New York and London, 2026). 330 pp. ISBN 9781032625041. Paperback $70.99; hardcover $170.00; ebook…
Read More
Breaking News

Why 2026 is redefining responsibility in the private rented sector

The landlord rulebook has changed  Insurance experts warn that understanding where landlord obligations end and tenant responsibilities begin has never been more important, following the biggest legislative shake-up of the rental market in a generation. The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1st May 2026 has transformed the relationship between landlords and tenants, introducing…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage demand slowed in Q2

Mortgage demand softened as anticipated in the second quarter due to affordability pressures exacerbated by rising borrowing costs, Stonebridge reveals today. However, mortgage rates remain tricky to accurately predict while borrowers face being wrong-footed by renewed clashes in the Gulf, which sent oil prices and inflation expectations higher last week. Stonebridge mortgage and protection network’s…
Read More
Breaking News

Prime London buyer demand strengthens in Q2

aThe latest Prime London Demand Index by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, reveals that buyer demand across London’s prime property market strengthened during the second quarter of 2026, with overall demand reaching 14.5%. The capital’s family-focused prime neighbourhoods continued to lead the way, with Clapham, Wandsworth, and Chiswick among the strongest performing…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage rates fall at fastest pace in almost two years

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals fixed mortgage rates have recorded their biggest monthly reductions since October 2024. Product choice rose and the churn of mortgage deals was stable. Fixed mortgage rates dropped for a consecutive month, citing the biggest monthly reductions since October 2024, with the average two- and five-year fixed rates…
Read More