UK’s fastest-growing property hotspots revealed by Rightmove

Seaside towns across Merseyside and Wales have emerged as the UK's fastest-growing property hotspots, defying a broader national slowdown in house price increases. Rightmove’s study showed Bootle, Merseyside, leads the surge with average asking prices climbing by an impressive 11 per cent over the past year, reaching £141,680. Other significant increases include Crosby in Merseyside (9 per cent) and several Welsh towns such as Penarth and Llantwit Major (both 8 per cent rises). This localised boom contrasts sharply with the wider UK market, where average asking prices for properties coming to market are 0.3 per cent lower compared to last year. Despite these specific increases, coastal living generally remains more affordable, with around 80 per cent of seaside areas analysed having average asking prices below the national figure.