The issue of property in the UK is a hot topic. In 2016, the impact of Brexit saw shifts in the housing market, the introduction of Section 24 shook things up, and the rising prices of homes in the capital were thrust back into the spotlight - it's fair to say that 2016 was somewhat of a turbulent year in the world of property.
Now according to a recent national property survey from eMoov, it seems that there is life outside the capital. Regarding supply and demand, London’s outer boroughs and commuter belt continue to dominate the top 10 hottest spots in the country, but what's interesting is an emergence of positive property energy in the north, particularly in Yorkshire.
Perhaps the unattainable property prices of the south-east are causing a slow-burning power shift or at least an evener distribution of property demand across the nation.
So, what was the most striking piece of information from the eMoov report? Well, it came in the highest climbers category. It seems that Stoke-on-Trent is emerging as a rising hotspot for those looking to invest in property in the UK with affordable homes on offer, new developments on the horizon, and a steady cost of living.
This might come as a shock to some, but according to a recent property index from eMoov, Stoke-on-Trent is officially one of the country's top three most in-demand places for property, with demand a whopping 112% up on 2015. That's huge, and a testament to the evolving potential of The Potteries.
For landlords, the possibilities are seemingly endless, with a flurry of University students (the 23rd highest student population outside London) looking to rent homes, as well as young families and professionals including nurses, teachers, and doctors. That’s a lot of scope.
Despite the thriving nature of London and the surrounding areas, both Westminster and Fulham were both flagged as two of the coldest spots in the country, with current demand for property in these areas almost non-existent. An unlikely result, but again perhaps a sign of the times.
So Stoke-on-Trent is on the up and for savvy investors, those who strike while the iron is hot, will surely reap the benefits in the long run - it looks like 2017 is going to be an interesting year.
Perhaps it is time to head northbound.