Neighbours have praised their 'friendly' area where house prices have rocketed after it was revealed some areas have seen an increase of nearly 100 percent in the last decade. Analysis of data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows house price percentage increases in three areas of the county were amongst the top 50 in the UK since 2013.
The average home in Nottingham cost £99,010 in 2013 but now it costs £193,860, meaning property in the city saw the 23rd biggest percentage increase in the country. Gedling borough also saw significant growth, with the average home price increasing by 93 percent since 2013, from £131,340 to £253,000.
Further north, Ashfield's average house price increase over the last decade came in at 48th in the country, rising 88 percent. Neighbours in Gedling village explained why they thought its popularity had pushed prices higher, citing high-quality schools and the wider borough's convenient location.
Poll: Should the UK deal with snow better? Have your say here
Andrew Stafford, 55, who lives in Gedling and works for Sainsbury's, said: "I can understand why this area was popular. I've lived here 15 years and people have a good standard of life here, so I can see why that would push the prices up.
"It's not a bad area at all to live in. You have places like Arnold and Burton Joyce, too, if you want something for families or a bit quieter."
Retiree Maggie McKeon, 70, who moved from Durham to Gedling and then later Carlton, said: "It's a good area which is why I've stayed here for such a long time. Originally we came here for the pit, and it has that spirit and friendliness that comes with that history - so do a lot of the other towns and villages [in Gedling borough].
"It has a great character and that is why so many houses are being built here and why people will pay more. A big thing is that the schools are marvellous around here, which is a draw for families."
Ofsted, the government's school regulator, has given multiple schools in Gedling borough 'outstanding' status. John Graham, 56, an IT worker who lives in Gedling, said the area's mix of city access as well as 'easy on the eye' villages and open spaces made it attractive.
"The transport links are very good, you're close to the city but if you drive 10-20 minutes you're out in the sticks and it's not crowded in the villages and towns," he said.
"There's a lot of variety for people and then you've got open spaces like Gedling Country Park and Willow Park. The other big factor for me is the perceived safety of the area - you don't really hear of any serious crimes really."
Paul Anderton, 64, an architect who lives in Gedling, explained he was thinking of moving to the "aspirational" village of Burton Joyce nearby. "I have no complaints really, I've lived here since 1999. Recently I thought about moving to Burton Joyce because it is quieter and aspirational, but there's quite a lot of choice if you're looking for a house in this area.
"There's easy access into the city on the buses and the schools have a good reputation." On why some areas proved more popular and pricey than others, Phil McGrath, owner of Smooth Moves Estate Agents in Mapperley, said: "Outside space is still an aspect after Covid, but what people are looking for is just the same as it always is. It is either people upscaling, downscaling or moving for their job.
"It is family areas that are the main thing, we're looking for family homes to sell, because we know we can sell them straight away. The traditional family areas like Gedling, Mapperley, Arnold, and Woodthorpe are all good.
"It all comes down to good schools as well really. If you've got a good school then it will attract families and that's what it is all about, so the traditional areas people want never really change a lot."
The latest house price data published by HM Land Registry for January 2023 showed average house prices in the UK increased by 6.3 percent in the 12 months to January 2023, which was down from 9.3 percent in the 12 months to December 2022.
Mr McGrath added: "On the sales side it is fairly static at the moment but we are still getting mortgages through, the process is still happening.
"Our prices are buoyant at the moment, we're not going up as much as we were during coronavirus, when there was a massive shortage of properties on the market."
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
READ NEXT:
Inspector warns students to secure accommodation after rise in burglaries
Neighbours shocked after man found stabbed in 'nice little town'
How empty Nottingham high street has transformed into a 'cool and fresh' destination
11-minute exercise that cuts risks of stroke, cancer and heart disease, say scientists
