Top 10 Cities for Population Growth and Housing Demand in the UK
Understanding where people are moving to—and why—is crucial for anyone with an interest in the UK property market. The latest data on population trends provides fascinating insights into which cities are successfully attracting new residents. Population growth is a key driver of housing demand, with cities experiencing growth often requiring new homes, services, and infrastructure to accommodate their expanding communities.
What Drives Population Growth?
Cities with thriving economies and robust job markets tend to attract more people, especially young professionals and families seeking opportunities. Affordable housing also plays a crucial role, as does the overall quality of life in an area, which can include amenities, education, and connectivity.
The Top Performers
Several UK cities have consistently outperformed in population growth, not just in the past year but over the last decade. These include:
- Coventry
- Milton Keynes
- Leicester
- Exeter
- Telford
Milton Keynes, Telford, and Exeter are particularly notable for their strong job markets, while Telford and Leicester also score highly on housing affordability. Coventry and Exeter shine in their ability to attract and retain young residents aged 21–32, thanks to vibrant cultural scenes, universities, and a strong sense of community.
Bringing It Back to Lancaster
While these cities have been headline-makers, Lancaster has its own success story. Over the past decade, Lancaster’s population has grown by 13.9%, reflecting its appeal as a place to live and work. According to the last census, Lancaster’s population stands at 56,203, with a striking 24.3% aged between 15 and 24. This is significantly higher than the Northwest average of 11.9%, underscoring Lancaster’s reputation as a hub for young people, likely influenced by the presence of Lancaster University and its vibrant student life.
Lancaster’s population growth reflects the broader trends seen in the UK: strong employment opportunities, access to quality education, and an attractive lifestyle are driving demand for housing. As more people choose to call Lancaster home, the demand for quality properties is set to rise, making it an exciting time for the local property market.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Lancaster, the city’s population growth and youthful demographic are factors worth keeping in mind. With a growing reputation and strong foundations, Lancaster is set to remain a thriving community for years to come.
If you are thinking of buying, selling or investing in Lancaster we would love to chat. At JDG we love to talk property and make sure our clients are always kept better informed.
Thanks for reading
Michelle x
