As part of our recent research into the ‘Best Places to Live in the UK’, we found that one of the locations that kept appearing was the East Midlands, and more specifically, Nottinghamshire.
Whilst the wider series examined what our customers tend to prioritise: safety, happiness, cost of living and amenities, we found that Nottinghamshire also ranks incredibly well for other key points, including historic house price growth, future potential and new developments.
With that in mind, we’re diving into the bigger picture around Nottinghamshire, examining the top spots within the county and what the future might hold for the region.
What’s happening with Nottinghamshire’s house prices?
A key driver for Nottinghamshire’s success is, unsurprisingly, Nottingham itself. Nottingham has always been one of the more underrated major cities in the UK, providing a mix of affordability, quality of life and future potential.
While it’s not as far along in its regeneration programme as cities such as Birmingham or Manchester, which have experienced incredible inward investment over the last 20 years and have positioned themselves as powerhouses in their respective regions, Nottingham is quickly building towards that goal alongside locations like Leeds and Sheffield.
This means that as of 2025, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire as a whole remain an incredibly affordable place to buy, considering the quality of life and amenities it can provide residents. It has an incredible nightlife, some of the best schools in the country, fantastic employers if you’re moving for work and a highly accessible property market.
Over the last decade, property prices in Nottinghamshire have increased by 64% according to the Land Registry House Price Index, which translates to around £91,000. This is a large increase which shows how popular the region is, and yet the average property price in a major city such as Nottingham is still only around £193,000, significantly lower than nearby major cities such as Birmingham (£234,000) and Derby (£210,500).
The future is also looking bright over the next five years. According to JLL data, while the South West, South East and London are expecting minimal growth over the next year, the Midlands and the North are set to do much better, particularly the East Midlands, which is expecting growth of 4.5% next year.
Where are the top spots to buy in Nottinghamshire?
So we know that the East Midlands and Nottingham are popular due to their affordability, but where are the best spots to buy? Below is a breakdown of the best areas based on safety, happiness, cost of living and amenities:
Beeston
Average house price growth over the last decade: 1.2%
The first spot on the list is Beeston, an area that has seen excellent investment over the last few years, creating a strong local economy that has allowed the town to grow, developing all of the necessary amenities to support fast-growing demand.
Beeston has gone from strength to strength over the last 20 years and is now home to a bustling town centre filled with award-winning restaurants such as Cafe Roya, redeveloped leisure facilities, a range of state and independent schools, as well as excellent links to the city centre and other major destinations across Nottinghamshire.
The Beeston property market, like most of Nottinghamshire, has seen property prices steadily rise over the last five years. Properties in Beeston have seen an increase of 48% since 2018 and remain a fantastic opportunity for homebuyers in the area.
Our key shared ownership development in Beeston is Trentside.
West Bridgford
Average house price growth over the last decade: 1%
West Bridgford is a town just outside of Nottingham city centre and is home to around 50,000 people, with an exceptional central location and great transport links.
Many families choose to move to West Bridgford as there are a number of reputable schools across the town. West Bridgford Infant School, West Bridgford Junior School and The West Bridgford School are all rated outstanding.
The town has plenty to offer residents, including a range of independent shops and upmarket nightlife spots. Whether you’re looking for an intimate bistro or an exciting cocktail lounge, you can find it in West Bridgford. There is also a range of top gastropubs serving the area, including Larwood and Voce, which is a firm favourite with locals.
Our key shared ownership development in West Bridgford is Edwalton Fields.
Ruddington
Average house price growth over the last decade: 7.3%
Ruddington is a larger village in Nottinghamshire and is regularly voted as one of the top destinations to live in the region. With a community feel, beautiful surroundings and filled with award-winning pubs and restaurants, it’s an excellent spot for families or couples looking for somewhere to settle down.
Rushcliffe County Park is a beautiful spot for residents to visit and has an estimated 250,000 visitors each year. Closer to the village centre, you’ll find a number of independent small businesses that have been around for decades.
With close links to Nottingham, Ruddington is also an ideal destination for commuters who are working for one of the city’s many world-class employers.
Our key shared ownership development near Ruddington is Lacefields.
Mansfield
Average house price growth over the last year: 4.2%
Mansfield is the second-largest destination in Nottinghamshire, sitting centrally between Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. One of the fastest-growing towns in the country, Mansfield is a popular destination with homebuyers and home to around 110,000.
Mansfield has everything you need for day-to-day living - whether you’re looking for high-street shopping or a few drinks at a cosy pub.
The quality of education in Mansfield is also high for a town of its size, and there are plenty of opportunities for families looking to settle down or start a family. The town has around 84 schools in the surrounding area, 70 of which are rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’.
Our key shared ownership development in Mansfield is Shirebrook.
Newark-on-Trent
Average house price growth over the last year: 4.8%
Newark-on-Trent is a market town situated on the River Trent with a population of around 30,000. A major destination within the Nottinghamshire area, it’s a fast-growing town recognised for the amenities and quality of life it can offer homebuyers.
As a key town at the heart of Nottinghamshire, Newark features all of the amenities you’d expect. This is why young professionals and families are moving to the area - it offers fantastic transport links, a charming atmosphere and plenty to see and do.
One of the key reasons the area is so popular with families is because of the education it can provide. Newark is home to 21 schools - serving children of all ages - and 95% are rated either ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
Our key shared ownership development in Newark is Lockview at Middlebeck.
How can Shared Ownership help you buy in Nottinghamshire?
So while we’ve established that Nottinghamshire is a relatively affordable place to buy a property, there’s another way that homebuyers can make it even easier.
Shared ownership remains a fantastic option for buying in a desirable area where you might not have the funds for a deposit.
Locations such as West Bridgford and Beeston are growing in popularity, and shared ownership developments in these areas represent a great way of getting your foot in the door without having to put a huge amount of money up front.
Consider some of the research from our most recent blog.
House deposits are, without a doubt, one of the most prohibitive aspects of getting on the property ladder. If you’re buying a home worth £250,000 and it requires a 10% deposit, you need £25,000.
With shared ownership, this all changes. If you’re buying a 40% share of the property, you only need to pay a deposit on that share. This means you’re paying 10% of £100,000 instead, meaning a deposit of £10,000. While still a lot of money, it’s more than half the cost and much more accessible.
If you’re looking for new homes in Nottinghamshire, shared ownership might be the way forward. You can view some of our properties in Nottinghamshire and learn more about upcoming developments here.
