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.
Beeston, Nottinghamshire
Average Property Price in 2026: £194,190
Average Price Increase ('16 - '26): 67.5%
Average Price vs County: 14% lower
A vibrant and diverse town just five miles south-west of Nottingham, Beeston is one of the fastest-growing towns in Nottinghamshire and an emerging choice for homebuyers.
Beeston has gone from strength to strength over the last 20 years, largely thanks to its proximity to the University of Nottingham, Boots main headquarters and accessible links to Nottingham city centre. Today, it's home to a bustling high street filled with award-winning restaurants, exceptional schools, stunning new homes, redeveloped leisure facilities and plenty of green spaces.
It's incredibly easy to travel around Beeston, which has made it popular with people looking for a more relaxed way of life without giving up access to city-centre amenities. If you're travelling to London, Beeston has direct services every hour alongside links to Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Leicester. The NET tram system and local bus network are also available, providing links to more local destinations including the University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre and Nottingham.
With two universities (University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University) nearby, as well as a huge number of primary and secondary schools all rated either 'Good' or 'Outstanding', Beeston is exceptionally popular with families prioritising a good school for their kids. The fact that the majority of Beeston property is also significantly cheaper than Nottingham city-centre itself is an added bonus and a major reason many people are moving to this neighbouring town.
Our newest development in Beeston is Trentside, a flagship development for both Platform and shared ownership in Nottinghamshire.
Brockworth, Gloucestershire
Average Property Price in 2026: £229,370
Average Price Increase ('16 - '26): 46%
Average Price vs County: 27% lower
One of the larger villages in the Tewkesbury district, Brockworth is home to around 9,500 residents and around 15 minutes from Gloucester. The quintessential British village, Brockworth is a safe and exceptionally picturesque part of the UK, built on a strong sense of community.
Notable for producing the Hawker Hurricane and Typhoon aircraft during World War 2, Brockworth now offers cosy village vibes and hosts the annual cheese rolling contest at Cooper's Hill. The village's population has increased rapidly during the last decade but still offers homebuyers a much more relaxed pace of life, all centred around a high street full of independent retailers and a fantastic Community Centre that hosts a variety of educational and social events.
It's this environment, coupled with low crime rates, fantastic schools and absolutely beautiful countryside that has made Brockworth one of the most popular places to live in the UK and a key area for shared ownership in Gloucestershire.
If you’re considering buying a home in or near Brockworth, you’ll be happy to know that the region boasts some of the best cultural attractions in the country, two fantastic cities in Gloucester and Cheltenham plus an incredibly strong education system and exceptionally low crime rates.
Some of the top schools in the area include Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Castle Hill Primary School, Birdlip and Field Court Junior School, all of which are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Likewise, Gloucester High School for Girls is ranked the 30th best school in the UK and represents the highest ranked institution in the county.
Gloucestershire itself is also filled with areas of natural outstanding beauty, with easy access to the Cotswolds offering beautiful vistas if you want to get away for the weekend.
All of this means Gloucestershire is often ranked as one of the best places in the country to live, which residents of Ventus Brook will be ideally positioned to experience.
Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire
Average Property Price in 2026: £212,900
Average Price Increase (‘16 - ‘26): 47%
Average Price vs County: 4% 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.
Newark, Nottinghamshire
Average Property Price in 2026: £236,250
Average Price Increase (‘16 - ‘26): 45%
Average Price vs County: 2% lower
Newark-on-Trent is a market town 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 well as its future potential. Over the next three years, house prices across Nottinghamshire, including Newark, are expected to rise by around £42,000.
It's this mix of affordability, potential for growth and quality of life that is attracting families and young professional couples to the area. When you also throw in fantastic transport links and a charming atmosphere into the mix, it's no surprise so many people are flocking to buy in the area. There's plenty to see and do, from gastropubs and international restaurants to independent retailers, hand-crafted furniture sellers and retro clothing stores, as well as top tourist destinations such as Newark Castle, Newark Air Museum and the National Civil War Museum.
A major positive for Newark is how connected the town is. Aside from two train stations, Newark Northgate and Newark Castle, the town is also connected to several key roads including the A46, A1 and A17, which directly link to Nottingham, Mansfield, Loughborough and Derby. Lastly, the nearest airport is East Midlands Airport, which is just 49 minutes away by car.
Another key attraction for many families moving to the area is the education available within the town. Newark has 21 schools for children of all ages and 95% are rated either 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, with some of the top schools in the area including Toot Hill School, The Minster School and Tuxford Academy.
For people moving to Newark, shared ownership is a popular choice as it's a highly desirable area. We have several shared ownership developments in the area including Edwalton Fields and our new development, Middlebeck.
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Average Property Price in 2026: £231,400
Average Price Increase (‘16 - ‘26): 44%
Average Price vs County: 32% 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 Whittlesey, where you'll also find our upcoming development, Hartley Mere.
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.
