East Midlands Property Buying Guide

The East Midlands is home to around five million people, with a landscape spanning the six counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and most of Lincolnshire.

 

The region is home to industrial cities like Nottingham and Leicester and quaint market towns like Newark-on-Trent and Loughborough. There is so much sprawling countryside to enjoy too, as the East Midlands is home to two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Peak District and the Lincolnshire Wolds.

 

With its industrial parts and diverse natural scenery, this region attracts thousands of homebuyers every year. Whether you’re buying your first home or relocating to this stunning region, find out more in our pricing guides for homes in the East Midlands.

The East Midlands continued to lead property price growth in the UK after the North West and Yorkshire. The relatively low land cost makes it attractive for business development and relocation. More companies invest in the region every year. This is one of the reasons why the region’s property market is flourishing, along with the affordability of properties.

 

Many up-and-coming areas here have become a destination of choice for buyers. One of them is Grantham in Lincolnshire, not far from the border with Nottinghamshire. Home to the National Trust Belton House, Belvoir Castle and Easton Walled Garden, properties balance rural and urban lifestyles. House prices increased by 11% between 2019 and 2023, with terraced properties the best-selling.

On the banks of the River Nene in Northamptonshire, Northampton is another hotspot for property investors, with house prices up by 20% between 2019 and 2023. Surrounded by spectacular stretches of countryside, the city offers access to Luton, Coventry and Cambridge.

Thinking of investing in a buy to let property in the East Midlands? Take advantage of unique buying schemes and competitive mortgage options. If you’re considering buying your first home, explore our First Home schemes. These Government-backed incentives can help you get on the property ladder faster.

With the Coronavirus pandemic playing a role in shifting patterns in property purchases, more and more buyers are now craving rural lifestyles. Below, we explore some of the most sought-after spots in the East Midlands, where house demand increased significantly following the pandemic.

Grimbsy

Found along the River Freshney in Lincolnshire, this historic port town has a unique charm. It offers beautiful views of the Humber and excellent opportunities for day trips to the beach while still within reach of popular destinations like Sheffield and Leeds. Our brilliant collection of 3 bedroom homes on Wigmore Park strikes a balance between picturesque scenery and the frenzy of the city.

Stamford

Voted as the best place to live in the Midlands by the Sunday Times, Stamford sits on the banks of the River Welland in Lincolnshire. The village is the best stone town in England, thanks to its outstanding medieval buildings and majestic 18th and 19th-century architecture. Stamford Castle and Burghley House are the highlights of this place, lying on the edge of town.

Worksop

Found along the banks of the River Ryton, Worksop is famed as the Gateway to the Dukeries, a selection of Ducal properties in north Nottinghamshire. Home to two National Trust sites, Mr Straw’s House and Clumber Park, Worksop is conveniently located midway between the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Peak District. Love being immersed in nature but want access to the city? Our Gateford Park development could be ideal for you. 

 

Stunning stretches of countryside, world-famous national parks, woodland steeped in legend and centuries of industrial history – the East Midlands is England’s quintessential countryside. If you and your family are considering a change of scenery, this region is packed with intriguing spots. 
  

Buxton

This quaint market town is a brilliant place to live on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Buxton offers a great compromise between rural and urban lifestyles. Houses are within commuting distance of Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester. 

Hugglescote

Hugglescote sits along the River Sense, about ten miles from Leicester City Centre. Its convenient location makes it a favourite among home buyers, within reach of Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham.

Kettering

Found in Northamptonshire, Kettering is an industrial market town with plenty of exciting attractions. Whether you’d like to take your children to Barford Wood for a Sunday picnic or want to spend a day learning everything about Broughton House, properties in Kettering provide plenty of options.

Ofsted rankings of best schools in the East Midlands

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Ruskington Chestnut Street Church of England Academy	Good	March 2023
Ancaster CofE Primary School	Good	February 2023
William Alvey School	Good	May 2022
Osbournby Primary School	Good	June 2022
St George's Academy	Good	April 2019
St Botolph’s C of E Primary School	Good	February 2023
Rauceby Church of England Primary School	Good	March 2018
The Barnes Wallis Academy	Good	January 2023
The Metheringham Primary School	Good	January 2023
Carre’s Grammar School	Good	March 2019

Find riverside and lakeside properties in the East Midlands and enjoy some of the best stretches of countryside in the UK.

Mansfield

Mansfield boasts plenty of beautiful scenery in a valley surrounded by woodland. Sherwood Forest and Vicar Water Country Park are a short drive away, with plenty of outdoor activities.

Coalville

This former mining town lies between Leicester and Burton-upon-Trent. You’ll find many outdoor spaces to explore, from Sence Valley Country Park to Lount Nature Reserve.

Beeston

On the banks of the River Trent in Nottinghamshire and a stone’s throw away from Attenborough Nature Reserve, Beeston is surrounded by water and green spaces. An excellent choice for peaceful suburban living.

Whether you enjoy walking or want to take a day trip with your family, the East Midlands is a fantastic rural location.

Thanks to its proximity to London and its location on the national motorway, the East Midlands is a thriving economic and industrial hub. It’s very well-connected to its nearby regions and has an international airport in northwest Leicestershire.  

 

The M1 runs through the four most significant areas of the region and provides a motorway link between London and Yorkshire. Other important routes are the A1, the A43 connecting the East Midlands to the South and Solent ports, and the A5 from Leicestershire to Hinckley.

 

Rail links are also highly efficient. Three of the main are the Midland Main Line, the East Coast Main Line and the West Coast Main Line. They all provide high-speed services to London and serve the main cities across the region.

 

The East Midlands is also famous for its outstanding primary, secondary and further education.

Buying your home in Leicester

Steeped in history and culture, Leicester is a great place to buy a new home. Once a manufacturing centre for footwear, textiles and hosiery, today, the city is known for its strong economy and property market. Leicestershire experienced a 10% increase in house prices between 2020 and 2023, with Leicester’s prices rising by 12% over the same period.

Wigston

Wigston lies on Leicester’s southeast outskirts and is a brilliant place to call home if you want to be on the city’s doorstep. House prices have performed in a similar way to the local property scene.

Buying your home in Nottingham

The famous birthplace of Robin Hood, Nottingham, is a real East Midlands gem. Thanks to its medieval castle and the oldest pub in England (the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem), stunning Market Square and Lace Market, houses in Nottingham are a destination of choice among home buyers. Property prices in the county and city have risen by 10% between 2020 and 2023.  

Bingham

Around ten miles east of Nottingham city centre, Bingham is a famous market town with plenty going for it. Property prices in Bingham increased by about 7% between 2020 and 2023. Whether you fancy an evening run along the banks of the River Trent or you’d prefer to relax in a cosy café, new homes here won't disappoint. 

West Bridgford

Along the banks of the River Trent, West Bridgford offers plenty of activities for residents. Home to some of the region’s major sports clubs, like Nottingham Forest and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, and natural areas to explore, this market town has something for everyone. House prices rose by around 13% between 2020 and 2023, with detached properties the most popular.

 

Buying your home in Derby 

In Derbyshire, along the banks of the River Derwent, Derby is a thriving city with an array of local amenities. Home to three National Trust sites – Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall and Calke Abbey – and close to Foremark and Staunton Harold nature reserves, locals can enjoy beautiful days out.

Derby’s property market increased by under 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch

The charming market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch is in the Leicestershire countryside, just over ten miles south of Derby. Local property prices rose by 20% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Northampton 

Thanks to its proximity to the M1, the variety of green areas surrounding and cultural and historic sites, homes in Northampton are brilliant for commuters and families alike. Trains to London are frequent and only take an hour while cities like Bedford, Leicester and Luton are also within reach.

Wellingborough

About 15 miles northeast of Northampton City Centre, Wellingborough retains a unique charm that makes it a brilliant place to live. Enjoy scenic walks around Stanwick Lakes and Summer Leys. Property prices increased by approximately 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Mansfield

In the Maun Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning nature reserves, it’s no wonder that homes in Mansfield are popular among buyers. The town is a stone’s throw from Sherwood Forest, National Trust’s Hardwick Hall and Nottingham City Centre. The property market in Mansfield is flourishing, with house prices up by 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Ollerton 

Around nine miles from the centre of Mansfield and half an hour’s drive from Nottingham, Ollerton is a beautiful place to call home. Property prices rose 8% between 2020 and 2023, meaning you can take advantage of great investment opportunities here.

Buying your home in Lincoln

Teeming with history and culture, Lincoln is the county town of Lincolnshire. Along the banks of the Foss Dyke, the city boasts a majestic cathedral, a medieval castle and art galleries and museums. Lincoln is an ideal location to strike a balance, offering a laid-back atmosphere but not too distant from the buzz of the city.

The county saw a 12% increase in house prices between 2020 and 2023, with Lincoln seeing a slightly lower rise over the same period, up 9%.