House prices have risen by 74% across the UK in the past 20 years, making it difficult for many people to move back to their hometowns, according to Zoopla.
The average UK house price went up from £113,900 in 2005 to £268,200 in 2025. The house price to earnings ratio stayed around 6.42, but regional differences were clear. London recorded the biggest jump, with prices rising 119% to £534,400.
The South East and Eastern England also saw big increases of 87% each, with house price to earnings ratios up from 7.8 to 8.6 in the South East and from 7.1 to 7.7 in Eastern England.
In the South East, Elmbridge in Surrey saw the highest average rise, up 110% from £338,800 to £712,700. Southampton had the lowest rise in the region, up 63% to £225,500.
In Eastern England, St Albans had the biggest increase, with prices up 108% from £298,600 to £622,100. Great Yarmouth saw the lowest growth in the region, up 77% to £187,700.
The North East was the most affordable region, with average house prices up by 39% and the house price to earnings ratio falling from 5.7 to 4. Sunderland saw the lowest rise in the region, up just 22% to £124,000.
In the North West and Yorkshire, affordability also improved, with house price to earnings ratios dropping to 5.1 and 5, respectively.
Blackpool’s average price rose 26% to £124,300, while Hull saw a 49% rise to £115,100.
Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “Our latest analysis certainly brings to light the profound impact that two decades of house price growth have had on the dream of ‘returning home’.
“UK house prices have soared by 74 per cent since 2005, making that nostalgic return financially unattainable for many, especially in hotspots in the South East and Eastern England.
“However, the picture is far from uniform across the UK. Our data shows that while some areas have seen dramatic increases, house prices have risen slowly, in line with incomes in northern regions.”
Copley added: “This means that for some, the dream of returning to their roots might be much more attainable than they think.
“Zoopla has a wide range of affordability tools available for would-be buyers on its site to help you plan your next move, including a mortgage calculator that can help you to understand what you could afford based on your income.”
Toby Leek, president of NAEA Propertymark, said: “Rural and picturesque areas across the country are popular destinations that many people choose to move to, especially those who are looking for a quiet escape, such as certain coastal locations. However, this sometimes comes with a bigger price tag.
“As places increase in popularity, this raises house prices to levels that mean many current or ex-locals who may wish to move back to their hometowns where they grew up could find it hard to afford to purchase a home.
“It also has the potential to be extremely challenging for people to migrate around the locality as well, due to higher prices.”
Leek added: “Not only are these areas highlighted becoming harder for many aspiring homeowners to move, but across the country, homeownership in general is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.
“Ultimately, we need additional support for first-time buyers, a review of stamp duty, and more homes to be built to keep pace with growing demand.
“These must be designed with amenities and infrastructure as an integral part of the process.”
