East London’s Stepney has been declared the UK hotspot with the most significant increase in property search interest for 2023, according to estate agent Yopa.
In their analysis of property search statistics from Q1 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, Yopa has identified the top 10 UK locations with the largest annual search volume increases.
Stepney, in Tower Hamlets, has emerged triumphant with an impressive 227% surge in year-on-year property searches, outperforming all other locations.
Ali Shaygan, Yopa’s local agent for East London, said: “Stepney, the historically rich and quirky area in the heart of the East End, has become one of the most popular places to live in London. With years of redevelopment and change, Stepney now attracts different generations and communities, offering modernised Grade II listed buildings, new developments, and redeveloped local authority properties.”
Remarkably, seven out of the top ten locations were all within London, indicating a resurgence in the capital’s popularity. Northern boroughs, including Harrow, Haringey, and Enfield, have seen a notable increase in homebuyer interest.
This resurgence of interest follows an exodus from the capital during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a dip in house price growth during 2020-2022. Now, it seems London is reclaiming its allure in 2023.
Outside of London, Hollington in East Sussex and Glascote near Tamworth in Staffordshire have also enjoyed increased attention, with search volumes up 133% and 125%, respectively.
Additionally, Hollywood’s influence seems to have extended to the north-east of Wales; Sandycroft in Flintshire has become more popular following Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively purchasing a home in nearby Marford.
