Two villages in County Durham were among the UK’s biggest house price hotspots in 2023 according to new data.

South Moor had a 15% increase in the average asking house price (£106,671) last year.

Meanwhile, Shotley Bridge saw a rise of 13% (£252,334).

The findings were part of Rightmove’s round-up showing some of the moving trends that shaped 2023.

The Northern Echo: Are you wanting to buy a house in County Durham this year?Are you wanting to buy a house in County Durham this year? (Image: PA)

Overall, national average asking prices at the end of 2023 were 1.1% lower than at the same time in the previous year.

However, with Great Britain being made up of thousands of different local markets, with different dynamics of supply and demand, some areas saw an increase in asking prices.

The UK’s biggest house price hotspots in 2023 revealed

  1. Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset - 20% increase in average asking house price (£1,909,943)
  2. Hulme, Greater Manchester - 16% increase in average asking house price (£275,886)
  3. South Moor, County Durham - 15% increase in average asking house price (£106,671)
  4. Chobham, Surrey - 14% increase in average asking house price (£1,062,483)
  5. Walsgrave, Warwickshire - 14% increase in average asking house price (£257,320)
  6. Dunblane, Stirlingshire - 13% increase in average asking house price  (£324,158)
  7. Hockley, Birmingham - 13% increase in average asking house price (£255,121)
  8. Stepps, Glasgow - 13% increase in average asking house price (£252,156)
  9. Shotley Bridge, County Durham - 13% increase in average asking house price (£252,334)
  10. Brotton, Cleveland - 13% increase in average asking house price (£174,837).

Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset is 2023’s price hotspot, with average asking prices increasing by 20% compared to 2022, from £1,586,349 to £1,909,943.

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Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: “Even in the more muted market of 2023, many areas across Great Britain saw an increase in asking prices last year.

“Many traditionally popular areas maintained their allure amongst buyers, whilst cheaper areas were also high on the list for buyers last year with affordability stretched.

“Whilst a garden, garage and more land remain high priorities for those searching for a move, we also know from our research that more intangible factors are key to home-hunters when deciding on a move.

“A strong sense of community, friendly neighbours and an area people can feel happy in are some of the most important things movers are looking for.”