Where to move to in the UK in 2026

If the festive break has you browsing property websites for your next move, you’re not alone. Each year, Rightmove reports a “Boxing Day bounce”, as many people begin, or resume, their plans to move home. With uncertainty around the Government’s Budget now behind us, and those who had been holding off ready to re-engage, the start of the new year offers a timely opportunity to recalibrate, reassess and consider where your next chapter might take you.

Here, we highlight five areas rising in popularity, with our local agents sharing what makes each location such a special place to live, whether you’re renting or buying.

Islington, London

In this chic London district, average property sales prices have risen by 3.2%, bucking wider trends across the capital. “Islington has this rare ability to combine the convenience of central London with a real neighbourhood feel offering leafy garden squares, period-home charm, great transport links, and a buzzing social scene,” says Sebastian Toy, Knight Frank’s Head of Islington Sales.

“You can grab artisanal coffee or a casual brunch in an independent café off Upper Street, spend the evening watching a play at Almeida Theatre, or stroll through green oases like Highbury Fields. On weekends, the traditional buzz of Chapel Market still gives a sense of community that’s increasingly rare in London. Boutique shops in Camden Passage, independent restaurants and the lively Regents Canal complete the picture.”

Expect to pay: Freehold houses in Angel or Barnsbury will be upwards of £1,500,000, while those renting can expect to pay in the region of £3,000 to £4,500 per month for a two-bedroom home, or £6,000 to £10,000 for three-to-four bedrooms.

Properties for sale in Islington

Bouton Place, Islington, N1

Flat, 1274 sqft

3

2

1

Asking Price £1,600,000

Centre Point Residences, 103 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DB

Apartment, 1274 sqft

2

2

1

Asking Price £3,500,000

Centre Point Residences, 103 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DB

Apartment, 2133 sqft

3

3

2

Asking Price £7,500,000

Piano Studios, Ferdinand Street, London, NW1

Flat, 920 sqft

2

2

1

Asking Price £1,375,000

Piano Studios, Ferdinand Street, London, NW1

Flat, 1596 sqft

2

2

1

Asking Price £1,950,000

Piano Studios, Ferdinand Street, London, NW1

Flat, 1211 sqft

3

2

1

Asking Price £1,950,000

The Arc, City Road, London, EC1V

Flat, 1837 sqft

3

3

1

Asking Price £2,650,000

Southampton Row, London, WC1B

Flat, 1150 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,250,000

Sold STC

Highbury Terrace, London, N5

House, 3134 sqft

5

3

3

Asking Price £4,850,000

Herbert Street, London, NW5

House, 1023 sqft

3

1

1

Guide price £1,350,000

Sold STC

Albany Street, Regent's Park NW1

House, 3250 sqft

5 - 6

4

3 - 4

Asking Price £3,495,000

Shepherdess Walk, Islington, N1

Penthouse, 1810 sqft

1

1

1

Asking Price £1,850,000

Fitzroy Road, London, NW1

Flat, 1456 sqft

3

2

1 - 2

Offers in excess of £2,000,000

City Road, London, EC1V

Flat, 1960 sqft

3

4

1

Asking Price £2,500,000

Torrington Place, London, WC1E

Flat, 1771 sqft

4

1

1

Guide price £1,750,000

Stormont Road, London, N6

House, 12788 sqft

8

10

4

Asking Price £14,950,000

Harley House, Brunswick Place NW1

Flat, 1338 sqft

2

2

1

Asking Price £1,750,000

Marylebone Road, London, NW1

Flat, 928 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,180,000

Offord Road, Islington, N1

Maisonette, 1232 sqft

3

2

1

Asking Price £1,390,000

Courtenay Avenue, London, N6

House, 9542 sqft

9

8 - 9

2

Asking Price £8,950,000

The Chilterns

“The Chilterns are perceived to offer the best of both worlds by many locals and buyers. You have an abundance of picturesque countryside to explore yet you are within convenient reach of London, with a range of vibrant towns and villages to choose from,” explains Max Warby, an Associate in Knight Frank’s Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire office.

“The area is also home to a wide selection of well-regarded schooling, making it especially popular with families, and plenty of amenities, with many of the high streets continuing to evolve impressively.” In particular the historic market towns of Amersham, Beaconsfield and Berkhamsted, along with the charming villages of Aldbury, Little Gaddesden and Great Missenden, are among the most in-demand areas.

Expect to pay: In well-connected commuter towns, four-bedroom homes usually start at around £900,000. For buyers seeking more space, rural five-bedroom houses with larger plots tend to begin at £1.25 million and can climb significantly higher.

Properties for sale in the Chilterns

Ibstone, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14

House, 2168 sqft

4

2

3

Guide price £1,600,000

Water End Road, Beacons Bottom, Buckinghamshire, HP14

House, 0.19 acres

4 - 5

4

2

Offers in excess of £1,080,000

Sold STC

The Boathouse, Gibraltar Lane, Cookham Dean, SL6

House, 0.07 acres

1 - 2

2

1

Guide price £1,250,000

High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16

House, 0.09 acres

4

2

3

Guide price £1,250,000

North Mill Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27

House, 1 acres

6

3

4

Guide price £1,750,000

Spring Lane, Cookham Dean, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6

House, 7422 sqft

12

4

4

Guide price £2,750,000

Lacey Green, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27.

House, 12.78 acres

8

4

8

Guide price £2,900,000

Sandpit Lane, Bledlow, Buckinghamshire, HP27

House, 0.78 acres

6

3

3

Guide price £2,500,000

Sold STC

Great Kimble, Buckinghamshire, HP17

House, 31.87 acres

5

4

3

Guide price £2,495,000

Marlow, SL7

House, 1.83 acres

6 - 7

5 - 6

4 - 5

Guide price £7,850,000

Quarrywood Road, Marlow, Berkshire, SL7

House, 1 acres

6

7

4

Guide price £6,250,000

Ferry Lane, Medmenham, Marlow, SL7

House, 0.6 acres

6

4

5

Offers in excess of £3,000,000

Esher, Surrey

A leafy suburban town with historic links to Henry VIII and Queen Victoria, Esher offers a diverse property mix, from detached family homes and modern luxury developments to period Victorian and Edwardian houses and charming cottage-style homes tucked away along quieter lanes. The area is known for attractions such as Sandown Park Racecourse, the scenic Claremont Landscape Garden and nearby Hampton Court Palace. Combined with its quick rail links into London, it offers relaxed countryside living with convenient city access.

“Esher is perfect for families moving out of London who still require a short commute back to town, offering an excellent choice of both state and private schools and extensive leisure and lifestyle activities, such as The Royal Automotive Club in Woodcote Park, the Beaverbrook hotel and the surrounding Surrey Hills,” says Adam Burlison, Knight Frank’s Esher Office Head.

Expect to pay: Family homes typically range from £1 million to £5 million, with those most desirable within Esher’s private estates and prestigious roads, or ideally located for the station. Rental homes range from £4,000 to £12,000 per month, while luxury apartments usually let for £2,500 to £5,500 per month.

Properties for sale in Esher

Sold STC

Hawkshill Way, Esher, Surrey, KT10

House, 0.58 acres

5

5

5

Guide price £1,975,000

West End Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10

House, 5160 sqft

5

5

5

Guide price £2,795,000

Wootton Place, Esher Park Avenue, Esher, Surrey, KT10

House, 7181 sqft

6

4

5

Guide price £3,999,000

Foley Road, Claygate, Esher, Surrey, KT10

House, 3017 sqft

5

3

4

Guide price £2,250,000

Clive Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10

House, 2841 sqft

4

2

3

Guide price £1,895,000

Blackhills, Esher, Surrey, KT10

House, 0.45 acres

4

2

4

Guide price £2,195,000

Sold STC

Charlotte Terrace, Princess Square, Esher, Surrey, KT10

Townhouse, 2850 sqft

4

3

2

Guide price £1,995,000

Wandsworth and Clapham, London

This London neighbourhood offers a covetable lifestyle reflected in its strong property market, with average sales prices in Wandsworth climbing 31.1% over the last five years. “Wandsworth and Clapham have so much to offer with there being so many micro villages and areas people fall in love with, meaning that the majority of buyers are local families upsizing because they don’t want to leave,” says Jack Gravestock, Knight Frank’s Head of Wandsworth and Battersea Sales.

“Local life centres around Northcote Road, a lively high street known for its independent shops, cafés, delis and everyday conveniences. Food lovers are also well catered for, with a fantastic range of restaurants nearby, including well-known Michelin-starred favourites such as Chez Bruce, alongside many popular local dining spots,” adds Francesca Levy, Knight Frank’s Head of Fulham, Wandsworth and Dulwich Lettings. “Meanwhile Wandsworth Common and Clapham Common provide expansive, beautiful parkland ideal for family outings, exercise and relaxing outdoors.”

Expect to pay: Family homes typically range from around £1 million to £5 million, with properties within the ‘Toast Rack’ and other prestigious streets commanding the highest prices. Rental flats start from £2,000 per month, while family homes are generally £6,000 to £12,000 per month.

Properties for sale in Wandsworth

Ascensis Tower, London, SW18

Flat, 1267 sqft

3

2

1

Asking Price £1,100,000

Calonne Road, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19

Flat, 3502 sqft

5

3

2

Guide price £2,450,000

Arterberry Road, London, SW20

House, 1190 sqft

4

2

1

Guide price £1,250,000

Faraday Road, London, SW19

House, 1791 sqft

4

2

3

Guide price £1,500,000

Greenside Residence, Wandsworth, London, SW17

Townhouse, 2192 sqft

4

4

2

Asking Price £1,995,000

Parkview Residence, Wandsworth, London, SW17

Townhouse, 2476 sqft

5

4

2

Asking Price £2,370,000

Nine Elms, Ponton Road, London, SW11

Flat, 1819 sqft

3

3

1

Asking Price £4,595,000

Nine Elms, Ponton Road, London, SW11

Flat, 845 sqft

2

2

1

Asking Price £1,220,000

Sky Villa, Boiler House, Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN

Duplex, 2764 sqft

3

3

2

Asking Price £8,500,000

Nine Elms, Ponton Road, London, SW11

Flat, 831 sqft

2

2

1

Asking Price £1,675,000

Sky Villa, Boiler House, Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN

Penthouse, 2841 sqft

3

3

1 - 3

Asking Price £7,950,000

Townhouse, Wandsworth, London, SW17

Townhouse, 1636 sqft

3

3

2

Asking Price £1,480,000

Nine Elms, Ponton Road, London, SW11

Flat, 1105 sqft

3

3

1

Asking Price £2,100,000

Gibbard Mews, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19

Flat, 1474 sqft

3

2

1

Guide price £1,500,000

Huron Road, London, SW17

Flat, 1683 sqft

3

3

2

Guide price £1,295,000

Sold STC

Church Lane, London, SW19

House, 2373 sqft

4

2

3

Guide price £2,000,000

Elmfield Road, London, SW17

House, 2016 sqft

5

2

2

Guide price £1,795,000

Lancaster Gardens, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19

House, 3662 sqft

6

4

2

Guide price £4,500,000

Sold STC

South Park Road, London, SW19

House, 1509 sqft

4

2

1

Guide price £1,250,000

Birchlands Avenue, London, SW12

House, 2402 sqft

5

3

3

Guide price £2,500,000

Belsize Park, London

Known for its leafy residential streets and elegant period architecture, Belsize Park has firmly established itself as one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. This enduring appeal has driven rental growth of 4.2% over the past 12 months, and a rise of 31.7% over the last five years.

“From classic Victorian terraces around quiet tree-lined streets to modern apartments moments from transport links, Belsize Park offers an outstanding range of homes,” says Chanel Rodriguez-Moore, Knight Frank's Head of Belsize Park and St John’s Wood Lettings. “With Primrose Hill Park, Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park all within walking distance, plus a thriving café and dining scene, it’s one of the few London neighbourhoods that truly feels like a village in the heart of the city.”

Belsize Village and Haverstock Hill offer a vibrant mix of boutique shops, independent cafés and acclaimed restaurants, alongside cultural highlights such as the Hampstead Theatre, Everyman Cinema and the Freud Museum.

Expect to pay: A typical two-bedroom flat in Belsize Park rents for around £2,350–£3,500 per month, while three-bedroom homes usually range from £3,800 up to £6,000 per month.

Properties for sale in Belsize Park

Antrim Road, London, NW3

Flat, 1076 sqft

3

1

1

Asking Price £1,175,000

Branch Hill, London, NW3

House, 2469 sqft

5

3

2

Asking Price £4,750,000

Ormonde Court, Belsize Grove, London, NW3

Apartment, 1164 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,200,000

Lindfield Gardens, London, NW3

Flat, 1252 sqft

3

2

2

Asking Price £1,150,000

Frognal, London, NW3

Flat, 1251 sqft

3

2

1

Asking Price £1,800,000

Sold STC

Arkwright Road, London, NW3

House, 5756 sqft

7

7

4

Asking Price £5,500,000

Sold STC

Akenside Road, London, NW3

Flat, 1163 sqft

3

2

1

Offers in excess of £1,000,000

Howitt Road, London, NW3

Flat, 1571 sqft

4

3

1

Offers in excess of £1,700,000

South Hill Park Gardens, London, NW3

House, 2577 sqft

4

4

3

Asking Price £4,750,000

Belsize Avenue, London, NW3

Flat, 820 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,200,000

Hawtrey Road, London, NW3

House, 1574 sqft

3

1

1

Guide price £1,750,000

Rudall Crescent, London, NW3

House, 3222 sqft

5

4

2

Offers in excess of £4,950,000

Steeles Road, Belsize Park, London, NW3

House, 3222 sqft

6

5

4

Asking Price £5,450,000

Sold STC

Chalcot Gardens, London, NW3

Flat, 767 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,150,000

South Hill Park, London, NW3

House, 3592 sqft

4

4

3

Asking Price £6,450,000

Briardale Gardens, London, NW3

House, 3346 sqft

6

3

3

Asking Price £3,250,000

Sold STC

Antrim Mansions, Antrim Road, London, NW3

Flat, 1104 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,175,000

Buckland Crescent, London, NW3

Flat, 1000 sqft

2

2

1

Guide price £1,350,000

Elsworthy Road, London, NW3.

House, 3607 sqft

6

2

3

Asking Price £7,850,000

Redington Road, London, NW3.

House, 5574 sqft

8

6

5

Asking Price £7,500,000