Average house prices in Wales have soared by 64% over the past two decades, rising by more than £125,000, according to the latest analysis from Zoopla.
The property website revealed that the average home in Wales now costs £206,500, up from £125,600 in 2005.
Across the UK, property prices have increased significantly, with the national average climbing from £113,900 to £268,200—a 74% rise. However, the pace of growth varies sharply by region, with London recording a 119% surge in property values, taking the average house price in the capital to £534,400.
Monmouthshire recorded the highest property price growth in Wales, with a 70% increase pushing the average home to £335,800. In contrast, Blaenau Gwent saw the lowest rise in the country, with average house prices increasing by 67% to £133,700.
Outside of Wales, the South East and eastern England also experienced notable growth, both regions recording an 87% rise in average property prices over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, the North East saw the smallest growth, at just 26%.
In London’s high-end borough of Kensington and Chelsea, property values more than doubled, rising 124% to reach £1.13 million. Other top-performing local authorities included Elmbridge in Surrey (up 110%) and St Albans in Hertfordshire (up 108%).
By contrast, some regions have seen much slower house price growth. In Blackpool, average prices increased by just 26%, while Sunderland recorded a modest 22% rise, reflecting a more stagnant housing market in parts of the North.
Zoopla warned that surging house prices have priced many buyers out of their hometowns, especially in the South East. Their recent survey, carried out by Opinium, found that over half of UK adults (52%) would consider moving back to the area where they grew up—but for many, affordability remains a barrier.
Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said the findings highlight the growing challenge of returning home amid high house prices. However, he noted that in many northern regions, house price growth has remained in line with incomes, making relocation more attainable.
Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, added that homeowners who bought in the capital and are now moving northwards benefit from accumulated equity, making it easier to purchase larger homes outright in less expensive areas.
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Propertymark noted that scenic rural and coastal areas remain highly desirable, but rising demand has pushed prices higher. This makes it more difficult for locals and former residents to purchase property in areas where they have roots.
As remote work and lifestyle changes continue to reshape the property market post-pandemic, buyers are increasingly looking beyond urban centres. This shift, coupled with longstanding regional price differences, is creating a more uneven property landscape across the UK.
House Price Growth by Region (2005–2025)
• London: £534,400 (up 119%)
• South East: £385,400 (up 87%)
• Eastern England: £337,500 (up 87%)
• South West: £312,000 (up 74%)
• East Midlands: £231,000 (up 70%)
• West Midlands: £233,700 (up 67%)
• Wales: £206,500 (up 64%)
• Scotland: £168,000 (up 63%)
• Northern Ireland: £184,200 (up 62%)
• North West: £200,800 (up 59%)
• Yorkshire and the Humber: £190,400 (up 57%)
• North East: £146,400 (up 26%)
Biggest House Price Rises by Local Authority
• Kensington and Chelsea (London): £1,130,400 (up 124%)
• Elmbridge (South East): £712,700 (up 110%)
• St Albans (Eastern England): £622,100 (up 108%)
• Monmouthshire (Wales): £335,800 (up 70%)
• Edinburgh (Scotland): £276,800 (up 73%)
• Stratford-on-Avon (West Midlands): £382,000 (up 69%)
• Trafford (North West): £349,300 (up 78%)
• South Northamptonshire (East Midlands): £381,600 (up 78%)
Lowest House Price Rises by Local Authority
• Sunderland (North East): £124,000 (up 22%)
• Blackpool (North West): £124,300 (up 26%)
• East Ayrshire (Scotland): £109,500 (up 38%)
• Hull (Yorkshire and the Humber): £115,100 (up 49%)
• Lincoln (East Midlands): £175,200 (up 55%)
• Plymouth (South West): £207,200 (up 56%)
• Stoke-on-Trent (West Midlands): £136,400 (up 57%)
• Blaenau Gwent (Wales): £133,700 (up 67%)
• Great Yarmouth (Eastern England): £187,700 (up 77%)
• Barking and Dagenham (London): £338,000 (up 105%)
