The property portal’s latest Hotspots Index reveals that Bradford retained the top spot for the third report in a row, after topping the table between February and April 2025, and between November 2024 and January 2025.
The OnTheMarket Hotspots Index looks at the number of available sales properties over a three-month period, comparing that against the volume of onsite activity, creating a score that represents the intensity of interest in that area.
Coventry sees one of the largest increases in ranking, from 9th to 2nd position, driven by a spike of enquiries showing growing interest in the area. Stoke-on-Trent was a new entrant to the top ten, jumping to 9th from 12th. Meanwhile, Barnsley moved the other way, dropping out of the top ten to 15th position.
The ‘coldest’ spot was Brighton, swapping places with Southend-on-Sea, which rose three positions. Bristol drops eight positions, entering the bottom 10 for the first time.
Other notable big movers in the index are Luton, which climbed to 11th in this report from 22nd in the previous period. Southampton jumped from 25th to 16th, while Slough leapt from 36th to 20th and Oxford from 30th to 17th place as interest increases. Meanwhile, Swindon went the other way, falling to 34th from 20th position.
Jason Tebb, president of the OnTheMarket, says: “Once again, the north/south divide is holding firm, with the top of the list dominated by some of the most vibrant and best-value locations in the north of England, where we find the most heat in terms of activity. Conversely, at the foot of the table the southern seaside towns with comparatively higher average property values are to be found, such as Worthing, Southend-on-Sea and Bournemouth.
“Despite five interest rate reductions in the past year, along with many lenders easing their criteria, the continued high cost of living means affordability is still a concern for many. As a result, buyers are favouring those locations where their money will go further. However, despite strong wage growth, average property values have also increased, making it difficult for many to bridge the gap.”
