Commuter hotspots leading asking price growth are revealed

Average asking prices are soaring in northern and Scottish commuter hotspots but are easing down south, Rightmove data suggests.

New research from the property portal has revealed the commuter hotspots where asking prices are rising fastest around six of Britain’s largest cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Across the six cities analysed, the strongest asking price growth is concentrated in commuter locations around Glasgow and Manchester, with 10 of the top 15 ten fastest-growing hotspots located around the two cities.

Many of these locations offer easier access to a major city at a lower price point than commuter hotspots in the south.

It’s a reminder that looking a little further beyond the main city locations can often open up more options and better value for money.”

Falkirk, Stirlingshire, has the highest price growth of all commuter locations analysed, rising 13.5% annually as of July 2026, with an average asking prices of £183,596.

The analysis found that 11 of the top 15 fastest-growing locations have average asking prices below £250,000, including Falkirk at £183,596, Rochdale at £238,115, and St Helens at £192,570.

Regional divide

In comparison, many London commuter hotspots command have asking prices in excess of £500,000.

Across the six cities analysed, average asking prices are up by 2.9% yearly in Glasgow at £191,530, 1.8% in Manchester at £261,212 and 1.4% in Cardiff at £285,596.

Meanwhile, prices have fallen annually by 0.6% in Birmingham at £251,340, 0.6% in Bristol at £375,205 and 3.1% in London at £646,451.

House price growth has been more limited in southern commuter hotspots, Rightmove said.

Haywards Heath in Sussex recorded the largest annual asking price decline in the analysis, down 4.8% to £461,066, followed by Maidenhead, which was down 3.9% to an average of £571,686. In addition, average prices were down 3.8% in Bath to £508,109.

In the more affordable locations around Glasgow and Manchester, asking prices are rising strongly.”

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, (pictured), says: “Our data highlights two very different stories playing out across some of Britain’s commuter markets. In the more affordable locations around Glasgow and Manchester, asking prices are rising strongly as buyers look for value within reach of major cities.

“Meanwhile, some of the more expensive commuter hotspots are seeing prices ease, which could create opportunities for buyers who may previously have been priced out. For anyone considering a move, it’s a reminder that looking a little further beyond the main city locations can often open up more options and better value for money.”