Scotland Leads UK House Price Growth in 2026

Housing markets in Scotland are poised for the strongest growth in UK house prices next year, according to a new analysis by property website Zoopla. The firm predicts that nine of the top 10 locations for price increases in 2026 will be in Scotland, with Motherwell leading the rankings after recording 3.4 percent year-on-year growth in 2025. Overall, Zoopla forecasts a modest 1.5 percent rise in average UK house prices for the year, but regional variations will be stark, with southern England and London expected to lag behind.

Zoopla evaluated 120 postal areas using key indicators such as home affordability, average selling times, the proportion of properties on the market for more than six months and the frequency of asking price reductions of 5 percent or more. Top-ranked areas generally feature quick sales, low unsold stock and minimal price cuts, creating conditions for sustained demand and upward pressure on values. In Motherwell, for instance, homes sell in an average of 14 days, with only 7 percent lingering over six months and 8 percent requiring significant reductions. The area's average house price stands at 134,700 pounds, well below the UK average of 269,862...