Property prices are around ‘nine times the earnings’ says expert
The New Year is typically a time of reflection for many.
The stark reminder of the passing of time often prompts us to reflect on the last 12 months and look to the future, envisioning what we want our lives to look like in the year to come.
For some, it means a new diet, a gym membership they’ll (occasionally) use, or that search for the perfect new job. But if you’re really looking to shake things up in 2023, a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered.
The best places to live in 2023 boast spas, royal links and bustling markets, according to property experts.
So whether you’re longing for an escape to the country, seaside views or chic city living, Express.co.uk has collated some of the top spots in each region as a new calendar year begins.
South West
Wadebridge
Wadebridge in Cornwall is an old market town on the doorstep are some beautiful beaches. It is frequently voted as one of The Sunday Times “Best Places to Live” in the UK.
Properties include period homes from the 18th and 19th century, as well as more modern riverside living.
But the average is up £50,000 since 2020 to £327,008. A family house with garden will cost in the region of £485,000 though.
There are several schools, the most of which rated as “Good” by Ofsted, in the town.
The town is full of thriving independent shops and bars.
Sidmouth
Sidmouth, which is in Devon, has unspoilt open spaces and a buzzing town centre.
It’s a seaside town with a range of period property, from thatched and Gothic to detached Victorian and Georgian family homes.
The average price for a property in Sidmouth is £437,227, but some detached houses cost nearer £600,000.
There are several schools, including independent settings, both in Sidmouth and short bus journeys away.
While tourism plays a huge part of the economy, Sidmouth retains a high number of independent businesses, including pretty coffee shops and eateries.
Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury, a town in Dorset, boasts iconic views across the rolling countryside. It’s a sleepy town, but has multiple succesful indie shops, cafes and restaurants.
The average house price was £328,034 over the last year, with detached at £516,887, semis at £285,293 and terraced at £260,279.
There are plenty of places of education, including one nursery rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
Southsea
Southsea, which is in Hampshire, has period property, great schools, and a beach on doorsteps of many homes.
It mixes Victorian charms with edgy vibes one might expect in a bustling city.
Southsea boasts good schools, and a thriving arts scene.
Properties there average £269,742 and trains to London Waterloo run frequently and take around two hours.
There is a beach in Southsea (Image: PA)
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South East
Horsham
Horsham, a market town in West Sussex, is a historic settlement with plenty of culture and open spaces to offer.
It’s a petite town, but within easy reach of the capital and Gatwick Airport.
Buildings there date back to the 13th and 16th centuries but the modern day average property price exceeds £400,000. Semi-detached properties fetch approximately £446,700 in Horsham.
Three nurseries in Horsham are “Outstanding”, Ofsted says.
Haslemere
Haslemere, which is in Surrey, is a beautiful town set in pretty countryside. It has great transport links, including to London, and the streets are full of independent shops.
The town is affluent and surrounded by wonderful National Trust attractions.
But property prices have risen in and around Haslmere of late, to a steep £719,100. Most houses sold there are detached.
Faversham
Faversham, which is in Kent, is a pretty market town and is developing some reputation as a foodie destination for its excellent independent restaurants.
Macknade food hall is 10,000 sq ft of foodie heaven, offering local produce and treats from across the world.
Faversham itself is attractive for its stunning scenery, including access to the coast.
The average house price is £324,964 in Faversham.
Deal
Deal is on the up, according to experts. The Kent town offers a blend of rugged coastal attractions and trendy indie businesses.
It is a beach town, but also boasts antique stores and some rather handsome Georgian properties.
There are nurseries and schools a plenty, including independent settings and ones ranked as “Oustanding” by the watchdog.
The average house price sits at £334,896 in Deal, which grew as a port settlement.
Stock
Stock, in Essex, makes the grade because it is a beautiful village with a famous old windmill, posh spa hotel and award-winning family businesses.
Close to Chelmsford, Stock has a primary school and top gastro pubs.
Housing though is rather pricey as some properties have sold in the village for more than £920,400 in the past year.
Olney
Olney, a gem in Buckinghamshire, is a bustling Georgian market town.
It’s got a fab food and drink offering and plenty of quirky shops, including antique dealers.
The average house price is £413,929 and detached homes often sell for £450,000 in beautiful Olney.
Windsor
Windsor has a royal swagger and plenty of history in Berkshire.
It’s close to the capital and has excellent transport links.
But the town is popular with tourists for its world-famous heritage.
Official figures show average house price in Windsor is £578,211.
Windsor is regarded by experts as one of the best places to live in the UK (Image: Berkshire Live)
Midlands
Harborne
Harborne, a posh part of Birmingham, has a wonderful foodie scene.
It’s a cool little area just a few miles from the city centre, and home to several green spaces.
Some of the city’s best restaurants are in or near Harborne, a relaxed neighbourhood popular with families.
Properties had an average price of £305,167 over the last year.
Tenbury Wells
Tenbury Wells, which is in Worcestershire, offers great foodie and arts scenes.
It is a rural settlement, tucked away on the pretty River Teme.
The market town is surrounded by scenic hop fields, cider apple orchards and rolling countryside.
It has a traditional high street and historical buildings.
Overall, sold prices in Tenbury Wells over the last year were 22 per cent up on the previous year. The average is now £304,556.
Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa, in Warwickshire, has beautiful Regency architecture. It is a historical spa town but offers plenty of modern eateries and independent shops.
Train journeys takes less than one hour into central Birmingham.
And there are several charming parks and green spaces in Leamington Spa, which is laid back and has a relaxing allure.
Properties can be snaffled for around £355,353, though most of the houses are terraced and are cheaper at around £349,640.
Southwell
Southwell is a market town in Nottinghamshire and home to the grade-I listed Southwell Minster, the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.
It’s a gorgeous place to live with an impressive history and streets lined with excellent restaurants.
The schools are largely very good in the town, northeast of Nottingham.
The average overall price over this year is £381,855. This is down three per cent down on the previous year, but up eight per cent up on the 2018 peak.
Buxton
Buxton, Derbyshire, has oodles of charm, plenty of history and is in the beautiful Peak District.
Known as the “Bath of the north”, it’s the highest spa town in the UK.
Full of iconic Georgian architecture, Buxton is a bustling, arty town, not far from Manchester.
Properties in Buxton had an overall average price of £239,981 last year.
Southwell is a minster in Nottinghamshire (Image: Getty)
North West
Ilkley
Ilkley is a spa town in West Yorkshire, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
It has a high number of small independent shops.
Over the past year, homes in Ilkley have sold for an average price of £523,312.
Christleton
This small village combines urban and rural country living not far from cities, including Chester.
There’s a lot going on in Christleton itself though, as it is home to posh spa hotels, nature parks and is on the Shropshire Union Canal.
Properties in Christleton had an overall average price of £329,457 over the last year.
Altrincham
Altrincham is a bustling market town in Greater Manchester.
It is serious suburban bliss as, though motorways, trains and planes are all within easy reach, there’s plenty to do in the town itself.
Home to a number of fantastic independent restaurants, leafy streets and brilliant parks, Altrincham is particularly popular with families.
The average price for a property in Altrincham is £537576 over the last year.
Altrincham is a market town in Greater Manchester (Image: Manchester Evening News)
North East
Great Ayton
Great Ayton, which is in North Yorkshire, is noted for its independent shops and traditional village culture.
There are lots of independent businesses in the village and it has a great community feel.
Properties in Great Ayton had an overall average price of £224,836 over the last year.
Hovingham
Hovingham is a large village in North Yorkshire, which is thought to date back to the Roman times.
Local businesses include a village shop, a bakery and tea room, a hotel and a pub.
Hovingham is on the edge of the North York Moors and so is popular with tourists.
The average sold house price in Hovingham is £490,000.
Morpeth
Morpeth, in Northumberland, is convenient and surrounded by lovely countryside.
It is a pretty settlement, which has a train station, and boasts oodles of independent businesses and charity shops.
Properties sold last year in the market town for an average of £260,416.
St. George’s Church is in Morpeth (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
East of England
Saxmundham
This fabulous countryside community is a stone’s thrown from the coast.
Saxmundham is a charming town, with a quaint history and multiple Georgian and Victorian properties.
The independent shops and eateries are gorgeous and there are museums and abbeys nearby.
Properties in Saxmundham sold for an average of £289,920 over the last year, which is around the UK average.
Framlingham
With sublime castle views, this genteel town in Suffolk is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Framlington is an ancient market town with a charming allure, and a 12th century castle.
It is in a rural location and so many fascniating country walks can be enjoyed from or during this town.
Properties typically sell for around £347,127 in the settlement.
Whittlesford
This picture postcard village in Cambridgeshire is on a commuter train line to London.
It has a has an excellent pub and restaurant, thatched cottages and a large village green.
The village shop and Post Office offer decent amentities.
Last year, properties in Whittlesford sold for an average of £444,535 with the majority of houses being detached.
Cambridge
Cambridge remains a great place to live as it boasts a fine culture, and some of the most iconic historical buildings in the UK.
A riverside and university settlement, Cambridge also offers plenty of independent shops and bistros.
It’s on a railway line to London and is itself home to several cultural attractions, such as museums.
But the average property price last year in the settlement was a steep £538,726.
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Wales
Cardigan
Cardigan is a coastal town with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.
But it also has a castle, freshly renovated and revived, and plenty of culture to offer too.
Everything is within typical walking distance.
Properties in Cardigan had an overall average price of £253,095 over the last year
Kidwelly
Kidwelly has ranked highly for quality of life.
The average family home costs less than £350,000.
Kidwelly is a town in Carmarthenshire in southwest Wales which is approximately seven miles northwest of Llanelli.
Scotland
Finnieston
Finnieston, which is on the north bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow, is a trendy area redeveloped from its time as an industrial hub of warehouses and docks.
New bars and restaurants have been established, there are modern housing, office and retail hubs and it is becoming a popular place to live for young professionals.
The average price for a property in Finnieston is £248997 over the last year.
Dundee
Vibrant and friendly, Dundee has a strong sense of community spirit and is therefore loved by families.
There are plenty of great places to eat and shop in the town, which has a regenerated waterfront.
The average price for a property in Dundee is £173,418 over the last year.
Northern Ireland
Portstewart
Portstewart was noted for its low crime rate, and excellent schools.
It boasts wonderful panoramic sea and coastline views.
The average house prices is typically around £140,000.
The majority of the list was compiled by travel pros Muddy Stilettos.
It takes into account all the best towns, villages and cities outside of London using expert knowledge.