Here at Platform, we’re always looking to help buyers find their dream homes in the most desirable markets across the country.
With the introduction and growing popularity of schemes such as shared ownership, the possibility of home ownership is closer than ever, meaning more and more people are scouting property hotspots for their next home.
As we enter the new year, we thought it’d be a good idea to give you a roundup of our top property hotspots for 2025, the cost of property in these areas and the amenities they offer residents.
Shirebrook, Derbyshire
Average Property Price in 2025: £184,671
Average Price Increase (‘15 - ‘25): + 61%
Average Price vs County: 22% lower
A smaller town of over 13,000 that borders the larger town of Mansfield, Shirebrook is a market town surrounded by the beautiful green spaces of Derbyshire. The town is becoming increasingly popular with families seeking a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community and exceptional transport links to major cities such as Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham.
While Shirebook itself has the essential amenities you’d expect - schools, leisure facilities, retailers and shopping - it’s also just minutes from Mansfield, a much larger town with a broader range of amenities and one of the fastest-growing hotspots in the UK. Between 2011 and 2021, Mansfield’s population increased to 110,500 - significantly faster than many other towns and cities based on its size - highlighting the rising popularity of the town and surrounding area.
For family buyers, the area is also ideal. 83% of the primary and secondary schools across the region are rated either ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted, while new developments in the region are helping create new communities for residents.
All of this has contributed to a huge increase in shared ownership in Derbyshire, with a huge range of developments appearing across the region.
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Average Property Price in 2025: £237,450
Average Price Increase (‘15 - ‘25): + 46%
Average Price vs County: 31% lower
Peterborough is a cathedral city with a population of around 215,000 and represents one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Following a 15-year redevelopment plan started in 2005, Peterborough has rapidly expanded to accommodate 40,000 more people and around 18,000 new jobs which has had a significant impact on the local economy.
Over the last two decades, Peterborough has experienced the fastest-growing economy in the region, attracting a new wave of business into the city whilst also supporting exceptional new amenities.
The town is exceptionally popular with London commuters thanks in part to its excellent transport links. The main train station offers great access to key destinations across the UK while the road network is extensive if you’re travelling by car.
Peterborough is also excellent for families looking for a place to settle down. Aside from offering a more easygoing lifestyle than other major cities in the UK, it also has some excellent education options. Peterborough has 72 primary schools and 28 secondary schools, 62% of which are rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
If you’re seeking an even more tranquil way of life amidst beautiful green spaces, Peterborough is also surrounded by beautiful villages and new communities including Great Haddon, Stilton, Yaxley and Oundle.
Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire
Average Property Price in 2025: £186,038
Average Price Increase (‘15 - ‘25): + 43%
Average Price vs County: 19% lower
Kirton in Lindsey is our top pick in Lincolnshire thanks to the diverse range of amenities, great schools and beautiful green spaces that surround the area.
This market town is home to around 2,600 and boasts a selection of amenities including grocery stores, charming independent retailers, cosy cafes and traditional pubs. It also has great access to nearby places such as Lincoln, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough, all of which offer their own range of amenities for residents.
In terms of education, Kirton in Lindsey offers access to several different schools including Kirton Lindsey Primary School and Huntcliff School, both of which are well-regarded by both the local area and Ofsted.
When we combine all of these benefits, it’s no surprise that residents are flocking to Kirton in Lindsey and new developments are appearing all of the time, including Tudor Reach.
West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire
Average Property Price in 2025: £350,139
Average Price Increase (‘15 - ‘25): + 44%
Average Price vs County: 47% higher
West Bridgford is a popular town in Nottinghamshire, often considered a suburb of Nottingham. Home to around 36,000 people, West Bridgford has a strong community feel, a rich history and exceptional access to amenities which means it’s rapidly growing in popularity with homebuyers.
One aspect that helps West Bridgford stand out is the quality of its schools. It has around 12 schools nearby - both primary and secondary schools - all of which are rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’.
As you’d imagine, West Bridgford’s proximity to Nottingham means it has access to some of the best pubs, bars, restaurants, leisure facilities and entertainment you can find in the UK. For homebuyers, West Bridgford is an easy way to enjoy everything Nottingham has to offer but still live a more relaxed lifestyle in a setting that is heavily community-led.
West Bridgford is increasingly experiencing new development to accommodate new residents, particularly in popular neighbourhoods such as Edwalton.
Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire
Average Property Price in 2025: £294,285
Average Price Increase (‘15 - ‘25): + 41%
Average Price vs County: 10% higher
Our final top pick is Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire, a beautiful village just 10 minutes from Banbury. This is a popular part of the country due to the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and as you’d expect, many of the more picturesque villages across the region are becoming increasingly popular with homebuyers.
Middleton Cheney offers the very best of village living - a community atmosphere ideal for families - as well as all the amenities you need for daily living such as a supermarket, pharmacy, sports clubs, independent stores, traditional pubs and beautiful walking trails.
The village itself is home to three schools all of which are rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The local secondary school, Chenderit School, is also an ‘Outstanding’ rated sixth-form.
Finally, Middleton Cheney also benefits from its access to Banbury - a much larger market town that houses shopping, bars, restaurants and entertainment. Being just 10 minutes away, Banbury is ideal if you’re looking for a more vibrant environment.
