There’s some encouraging news for homeowners across the UK, and particularly those in the North of England. New analysis from Zoopla shows that the average UK property has increased in value by 15.3% over the past five years, adding an average of around £36,100 to the value of a home.
For homeowners in County Durham, this is another positive sign of the resilience of our local property market – and a reminder that your home could be worth considerably more than it was a few years ago.
The North continues to show its strength
While the national property market has experienced its fair share of ups and downs since 2021, northern markets have proved particularly resilient.
Zoopla's latest analysis found that more affordable areas of the North have generally been better able to withstand higher mortgage rates. In Yorkshire and the Humber, for example, 22% of homes have increased in value consistently in each of the past five years, compared with fewer than one in 20 homes in some parts of southern England.
That resilience is particularly relevant to County Durham, where comparatively affordable property prices continue to support demand.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the average property in County Durham was worth around £137,000 in May 2026, up 4.4% compared with May 2025. Semi-detached properties saw annual growth of 4.9%, while detached homes averaged around £234,000.
A market that has changed – but remains active
The latest Zoopla House Price Index shows that UK house price growth has slowed to around 1.3% annually, with higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty affecting buyer confidence. However, the picture is far from gloomy.
In fact, the North East is currently the only UK region where sales agreed are ahead of this time last year, up by around 4%. Zoopla attributes this in part to the region's lower average property prices, which continue to make it more affordable for buyers.
For County Durham homeowners, this is an important distinction. While national headlines can sometimes make the market sound challenging, property is very much a local business. What is happening in London or the South East doesn't necessarily reflect what is happening on your doorstep.
So, what does this mean if you're thinking of selling?
The 15% rise in average property values over the past five years is certainly something to celebrate, but it doesn't mean every property has increased by exactly 15%.
Location, property type, condition and even the individual street can all make a difference. Zoopla's research highlights just how varied the market can be, which is why a current, local valuation is far more useful than relying on national averages or what a neighbour's property sold for several years ago.
Today's buyers also have more choice than they did during the exceptionally busy markets of 2020 and 2021. That makes realistic pricing, strong presentation and expert local marketing more important than ever.
At JW Wood, we understand the County Durham market and the factors that influence property values in the area. Whether you're considering moving now or simply curious about how much your home could be worth, a professional valuation can give you a clearer picture.
A positive outlook for County Durham
The property market may no longer be experiencing the rapid growth seen during the pandemic years, but the longer-term picture remains encouraging.
Homes across the UK have gained significant value since 2021, while the North East continues to benefit from affordability and relatively strong buyer demand. Zoopla is also expecting housing market activity to improve as we move towards the traditionally busy autumn market, provided mortgage rates remain stable.
So, if you've been wondering whether your home has increased in value over the past few years, the answer is very likely to be yes.
And with the County Durham market continuing to show resilience, now could be a good time to find out exactly what your home could be worth.
Thinking about your next move? Get in touch with JW Wood for a local, up-to-date valuation and discover what your property could achieve in today's market.
Sources from Zoopla