Northamptonshire

While technically still part of the East Midlands, Northamptonshire is often described as the whole package - the beauty of Warwickshire, the character of Oxfordshire and the connectivity of Buckinghamshire all in one place - making it ideal for homebuyers that want affordability in a desirable part of the country. 

While the largest towns in the region are Northampton, Corby and Kettering, the region is also home to growing hotspots such as Wellingborough, Rushden and Daventry. 

The county has a wide range of schools, further education and higher education institutions including private schools such as Oundle and Spratton. The main university is the University of Northampton, which has two campuses and serves around 10,000 students.

A major attraction of Northamptonshire is the rural setting it offers. If you’re looking for a more relaxed way of life amongst charming market towns, waterways and villages, Northamptonshire is ideal for you. 

Northamptonshire is much more affordable than some of its neighbours to the South, with the current average house price in Northamptonshire sitting at £276,597. This represents an increase of around £137,000 over the last 10 years.

Below we explore why you should consider buying a house in Northamptonshire, why you might choose to live in Northamptonshire and some of our key developments around the region. 

Is Northamptonshire a Good Place to Buy a House?

Northamptonshire is often considered a great place to live in the UK if you’re looking for a more rural setting away from built-up areas and major cities.

Aside from its beautiful rolling hills, Northamptonshire is extremely well-connected, has a great educational background and a wide range of beautiful, characterful properties. 

If we consider the things that homebuyers typically look for in the ideal location, Northamptonshire ranks well.

Crime Rates

Northamptonshire is safer than the majority of major counties throughout the UK, particularly those to the North which typically rank lower.

Some of the safest areas within Northamptonshire include Daventry, Rushden and Corby, which are ranked first, second and third respectively. 

Education & Schools

Northamptonshire has 341 schools (excluding independent schools) in total with 266 primary schools, 42 secondary schools and 8 providing sixth-form education.

80% of the schools in Northamptonshire are rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, with none of the schools in special measures. 

There are several higher profile independent schools across Northamptonshire including Oundle and Wellingborough, which are both private. 

For any students considering higher education in Northamptonshire, the county is home to the University of Northampton which is home to around 10,000 students.

Transport Links

Northamptonshire - much like the rest of the East Midlands - has excellent transport links around the country. Its unique location means it’s particularly well-suited for commuters travelling to London - with journeys from Milton Keynes and Northampton only taking around 50 minutes. 

The country has direct links to the M1 and M40 - which offer great connections to the rest of the Midlands and beyond - while the rail system is equally well-connected. Northampton is near both Birmingham Airport and Luton Airport, depending on where you’re travelling. 

Employment

Northamptonshire’s employment rate is around 66.6%, with the majority of those residents working in Manufacturing, Health and Social Care or Wholesale and Retail. 

Some of the biggest employers in Northamptonshire include: Securitas, Carlsberg UK, Morrisons and The White Company. Northamptonshire has a strong manufacturing background and this continues in today’s market.

What are Northamptonshire House Prices Like?

Despite the closer proximity to London, Northamptonshire is still much more affordable than some nearby counties. 

In 2023, the average house price in Northamptonshire is around £276,597 - this has risen by around 98% in the last decade. 

That said, when we compare the average price in neighbouring Buckinghamshire (£477,679), it’s easy to see why people choose Northamptonshire for its relative affordability without compromising on accessibility. 

Forecasts for the East Midlands also remain exceptionally positive, despite external challenges. The most recent JLL report suggests that prices in the county may increase by 15% by 2027 - even despite external challenges.