Since October 2020, just under 2.5 million homes across the UK have increased in value by £100,000 or more. That’s the equivalent of earning at least £55 a day, highlighting just how dramatically the housing market has shifted over the past five years.

The big picture

Our latest research shows that most homeowners have seen property values rise by just under 20% since 2020. Yet more than two million homes have grown by over £100,000 during the same period.

As always, location is key. The South of England has experienced the biggest monetary gains, while the North West has seen some of the strongest percentage increases. At the same time, around 1.4 million homes across the UK have actually fallen in value by at least £10,000, showing just how varied the market has become.

If you bought your home five years ago, now may be the perfect time to check its current value, you might be pleasantly surprised. You can do this by using our FREE online valuation tool by clicking here.

Where are homes increasing in value?

Unsurprisingly, the South of England leads the way in terms of six-figure value rises. Around six in ten homes that gained at least £100,000 since 2020 are located here.

London remains the frontrunner, accounting for roughly 16% of all homes with gains over £100,000, close to 400,000 properties in total. The Home Counties follow closely behind, with areas such as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Essex and Surrey also contributing another 400,000 six-figure gainers.

Outside London, impressive growth can still be found. Regions like the Cotswolds, Trafford, South Hams, and the Malvern Hills have each seen more than one in four local homes rise by at least £100,000 since October 2020.

Across wider regions, around 40% of homes in the East of England have gained six figures, followed by 38% in the South East, 37% in London, 33% in the South West, and 31% in the North West. The West Midlands has recorded around 25%, the East Midlands 24%, and Wales 23%, while both Yorkshire and the Humber and Scotland have seen roughly one in five homes rise by £100,000 or more. The North East has experienced smaller increases, though still notable at around 13%.

The North West sees the fastest growth

While the South dominates in terms of total cash gains, the North West and Wales have seen some of the strongest growth in percentage terms.

More than 800,000 homes across the UK have increased in value by 50% or more since 2020, and almost a third of these, around 240,000 homes are located in the North West alone.

Areas such as Rochdale, Oldham, and Bolton have surged in popularity as buyers look for better value within commutable distance of Manchester and Liverpool.

Where are homes losing value?

Not all homeowners have seen gains. Over the last five years, around 1.4 million homes have actually fallen in value by at least £10,000.

London has seen the biggest declines. Roughly one in four homes in the capital is now worth less than before the pandemic. Around 275,000 London properties have dropped by £50,000 or more, and about 200,000 of those are located in premium inner boroughs such as Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, where three in ten homes have fallen by £100,000 or more.

Elsewhere, some parts of Aberdeenshire, as well as pockets of Essex and Surrey, have also seen values dip, reflecting weakened demand in certain higher-priced or niche markets.

Why the five-year view matters

Looking back to 2020 offers a clear view of how much the market has evolved during an unusual and unpredictable period.

The pandemic shifted buyer priorities dramatically. Demand grew for more space, gardens, and greener surroundings, pushing prices up sharply in areas previously overlooked, particularly across the North West and Wales.

From 2022 onwards, rising mortgage rates and tighter affordability slowed growth in the South but continued to support steady activity where prices remained competitive.

The five-year mark is also significant because many homeowners reassess their plans around this time, the classic “five-year itch”. Whether upsizing, downsizing or relocating, knowing how your home’s value has changed can help shape your next move.

Making the most of your property gains

If you’re thinking about selling, these figures might be the encouragement you need to get an updated valuation. Even if you’re not planning to move, understanding your home’s current worth is still valuable whether you're considering remortgaging, renovating, or simply appreciating how far your investment has come.

While not every region has experienced the same level of growth, the overall picture remains positive for most homeowners. And history shows that, even where prices have slipped, markets tend to rebalance over time.

Whether your property has gained £10,000 or £100,000, it’s worth reflecting on how much the landscape has changed since 2020, and what that might mean for your next chapter.

Get your FREE online property valuation today by clicking here.