Ten property hotspots of 2022
A small fishing town set along a 22-mile stretch of coastline known as ‘The English Riviera’ has seen the biggest annual rise in asking prices in Britain.
The historic port of Brixham, in the Devon borough of Torbay, has been steadily attracting home-hunters since the pandemic began, and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after seaside towns.
Demand for homes in Brixham in the past couple of years has pushed average asking prices up by 25% in a year, to £329,699, which is still below the national average.
“With prices considerably less than neighbouring Dartmouth and with a much shorter travel time to the area than Padstow and St Ives in Cornwall, the secret of Brixham is definitely out,” says local estate agent Ben Strike, a valuer at Boyce Brixham.
Take a look at homes for sale in Brixham, Devon
The suburb of Jesmond in Newcastle Upon Tyne saw the next biggest increase in annual asking prices, with a jump of 23% over the last year taking the average cost of a home to £361,564.
Farnham in Surrey is third in the table, with a rise of 22% in asking prices over the last year.
The top 10 asking price hotspots
| Location | Avg asking price Feb 2022 | Annual price growth |
|---|---|---|
| Brixham, Devon | £329,699 | 25% |
| Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne | £361,564 | 23% |
| Farnham, Surrey | £728,413 | 22% |
| Raunds, Northamptonshire | £281,279 | 21% |
| Gedling, Nottinghamshire | £256,897 | 21% |
| Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside | £203,150 | 21% |
| Cowes, Isle Of Wight | £342,834 | 20% |
| Heysham, Lancashire | £189,527 | 20% |
| Childwall, Merseyside | £305,483 | 20% |
| North Walsham, Norfolk | £274,490 | 20% |
Why is Brixham such a hotspot?
Mike Williams, Negotiator at Eric Lloyd & Co in Brixham, said the town has always been a popular destination for tourism, but the lockdown has provided the opportunity for many people to work flexibly, and realise their dream of living by the sea.
Ben Strike, Valuer at Boyce Brixham, agrees. “City dwellers are keener than ever for that idyllic fisherman’s cottage by the sea to retreat to at the weekend, and families are giving up the urban belts completely, in favour of a full-time move to the coast,” he said.
Idyllic cottages line cobbled streets and colourful houses overlook the harbour. There’s also a choice of long sandy beaches, sheltered swimming coves and seafood restaurants galore.
“With its world-famous fish market and fishing heritage at its very heart, Brixham has become a real destination for seafood aficionados. There is an abundance of new and well-established bars and restaurants. Unlike many seaside towns which close during the winter season, the thriving fishing community, which is busiest during the winter, ensures that there is life bustling through the town all year-round,” adds Ben Strike.
READ MORE: Corsham in Wiltshire named as a top property hotspot
The header image for this article of Brixham is provided courtesy of Unsplash
