House prices in many commuter hotspots around London are dropping at a faster rate than elsewhere, according to new research by Rightmove. Haywards Heath in West Sussex recorded the biggest annual asking price decline, falling 4.8% to £461,066 in the 12 months to July 2026. This easing of prices could create opportunities for buyers previously priced out of popular commuter towns, says property expert Colleen Babcock.
Rightmove data reveals price falls in commuter markets
Rightmove studied annual asking price changes in commuter locations around six cities: London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff. Maidenhead followed Haywards Heath with a 3.9% fall. The research highlights a contrast between more affordable areas and expensive hotspots.
Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: “Our data highlights two very different stories playing out across some of Britain’s commuter markets. In the more affordable locations around Glasgow and Manchester, asking prices are rising strongly as buyers look for value within reach of major cities.”
She added: “Meanwhile, some of the more expensive commuter hotspots are seeing prices ease, which could create opportunities for buyers who may previously have been priced out. For anyone considering a move, it’s a reminder that looking a little further beyond the main city locations can often open up more options and better value for money.”
Haywards Heath offers fast links to London
Haywards Heath, a commuter town in West Sussex, can reach East Croydon in 28 minutes on a Southern rail service and get into London Victoria or London Bridge in under 45 minutes. It was named one of the top 10 places for Londoners to move to by Leaders in 2022, credited as “the ultimate town” and described as “quiet and stylish”.
A Leaders spokesperson said: “Haywards Heath is an extremely popular town, offering people the chance to enjoy quiet and stylish surroundings within easy reach of both London to the north and Brighton to the south. It boasts an excellent range of properties, including everything from modern apartments to large family homes.”
Average asking prices remain high in many hotspots
Many London commuter hotspots still have average asking prices of more than £500,000, Rightmove said. London as a whole has an average asking price of £646,451 over the last year, despite decreasing 3.1% annually. North London’s average asking price was £777,789, South London £587,518, East London £531,765, and West London £1,074,537.
Estate agents said commuter belt locations can provide attractive benefits for home buyers, including proximity to work, local amenities, thriving communities, and green spaces. Ian Harris, National Association of Estate Agents Propertymark president, said: “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen an initial reformatting of what many people want and need from the location they choose to live in. Initially, we saw many people embrace the concept of working from home and enjoying a lifestyle away from the traditional city commute.”
Harris added: “However, this is now a trend that is starting to swing back, with many people looking for a hybrid location that offers easy commuter access to key cities, while also providing a desirable mix of out-of-city amenities.”
Top 15 commuter towns with biggest price drops
Rightmove’s research looked at commuter areas surrounding the six cities only, not every commuter location in Britain. The following locations had the biggest percentage annual asking price falls, according to Rightmove:
- Haywards Heath, West Sussex (London): £461,066, minus 4.8%
- Maidenhead, Berkshire (London): £571,686, minus 3.9%
- Bath, Somerset (Bristol): £508,109, minus 3.8%
- Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (Birmingham): £369,612, minus 3.3%
- Reading, Berkshire (London): £377,211, minus 2.9%
- Billericay, Essex (London): £558,087, minus 2.8%
- Yate, Bristol (Bristol): £331,921, minus 2.3%
- Slough, Berkshire (London): £405,182, minus 2.2%
- Chelmsford, Essex (London): £402,836, minus 2.1%
- Basingstoke, Hampshire (London): £353,642, minus 1.9%
- Woking, Surrey (London): £509,550, minus 1.7%
- Tonbridge, Kent (London): £483,362, minus 1.5%
- Redhill, Surrey (London): £426,481, minus 1.3%
- Brentwood, Essex (London): £559,908, minus 1.2%
- Caerphilly (Cardiff): £251,142, minus 1.2%
