New data has revealed a dramatic surge in property values in a West Midlands town, placing it among the country's hottest housing markets. Stafford has recorded the second highest annual house price increase in all of England, with typical homes gaining more than £34,000 in value.
A Standout Performance in a Cooling Market
According to the latest figures from Lloyds Bank, average house prices in Stafford jumped by an impressive 12% over the last twelve months. This significant rise means the average property in the Staffordshire town is now valued at £321,248, a substantial increase from the previous year. The town was the only area from the West Midlands to feature in the national top ten list for price growth.
This performance stands in stark contrast to the broader regional trend. Across the West Midlands as a whole, average prices saw a modest rise of just 1.3%, placing the region near the bottom of the national league table. Only the North East, South East, and London fared worse. The news was particularly bad for other local areas, with Solihull and Worcester suffering some of the most severe price drops in the country, ranking fourth and fifth worst nationally.
National Picture and Expert Insight
Nationally, only Plymouth in Devon outpaced Stafford, with a slightly higher increase of 12.6%. The data highlights a fragmented property landscape where some locations experience sharp growth while others cool significantly.
Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Lloyds Bank, commented on the findings. "We’ve seen significant change in property values with some areas rising sharply, while others have cooled," she said. Bryden advised potential buyers to conduct thorough local research, as swings in value at a local level can have a major impact on deposit requirements, Stamp Duty, and overall moving costs.
Strategic Advice for Home Buyers
For those with flexibility on location, Bryden suggested exploring areas where budgets may stretch further. "Northern regions and Scotland are still generally more affordable than the south of England, with a huge amount to offer," she noted, highlighting cultural and historical attractions alongside beautiful countryside.
However, she also emphasised that the decision is about more than just price. "Choosing where to live is also about finding a place that feels right - a community you connect with, a commute that works for you, and a lifestyle that fits," Bryden concluded. The stark differences in local market performance underscore the importance of targeted research for anyone planning their next move in the current UK property landscape.
