Hexham named one of UK’s most ‘lusted-after’ property hotspots

Northumberland market town Hexham has been named as one of the UK's most "lusted-after" property hotspots, beating hot competition.

A study commissioned by property agents GetAgent has looked to find the most sought-after places to buy a home across the globe, including a deep-dive into UK locations. Researchers produced a Top 10 list based on the number of properties available and search interest in each area.

Newcastle itself made it into the Top 10 most lusted-after UK locations but was beaten in the list by nearby town Hexham in the county next door.

Hexham has a population of just over 13,000 people and is known for the beautiful Hexham Abbey, proximity to a great stretch of The Tyne, access to Northumberland's many parks and trails, as well as quaint nearby towns. Hexham also has great transport links to Newcastle and was voted the happiest place to live in England in 2019 and 2021.

Hexham placed sixth in the Top 10 most lusted-after property hotspots in the UK, with 55 properties available for 64,800 people searching for one. The full ranking for UK locations is below.

1. Malton, Yorkshire and the Humber
2. Colchester, Essex
3. Perith, Cumbria
4. Lyndhurst, Hampshire
5. Wombourne, Staffordshire
6. Hexham, Northumberland
7. Woodbridge, Suffolk
8. Alnwick, Northumberland
9. Goole, West Riding of Yorkshire
10. Newcastle, Tyne and Wear

Colby Short, Co-Founder and CEO of GetAgent said: “Houses are in high demand at the moment, often getting snapped up as soon as they hit the market, and sometimes even before that. We know some locations are more in demand than others, and the right property in some towns and cities around the world can be harder to come across.

"When it comes to the UK, it’s interesting that the more traditionally popular cities are not the most lusted after, with the top destinations ranking in our study consisting of towns that offer people a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Over the last couple of years, more and more UK workers are working in hybrid or fully remote roles, allowing them to relocate out of the big cities and into high demand rural locations.

"Those looking for their dream property may feel disheartened if they can’t seem to find the right place in their perfect location. But it’s worth remembering that it only takes one person to sell their home at the right time for you to land the house of your dreams. To keep on top of new properties hitting the market, house hunters can monitor property portals such as Zoopla or Rightmove. To increase your chances even further, try building relationships with estate agents in your desired area. They can tell you of any ideal properties that have not yet hit the market.”