Why is Bristol so attractive to homebuyers?
Bristol is still one of the UK’s most popular places to buy. Although London is picking momentum back up from pre-COVID times, it’s the next major city in most people’s minds.
I’m based in and around Bristol as a chartered surveyor with GB Home Surveys. I know its housing market well.
I’m also all too familiar with some of the most common problems (damp due to improper insulation, asbestos, Japanese Knotweed and subsidence are some of the things I note down most often).
On this page, I’ve compiled a few thoughts about Bristol and why I’d love to help you move here.
Let’s get started.
Let me tell you about Bristol
I’m sure you know where Bristol is – but, just in case, you’ll find it on England’s west coast. It’s just over the Bristol Channel from Newport. Directions from London are about as easy as it gets – follow the M25 to the M4 and head west. And continue. And continue. Before you know it, there’s Bristol.
These days, Bristol is a vibrant hub of culture. I’ve met people from all sorts of backgrounds and countries. Apparently, there are also at least 45 practising religions in the region.
You’ll likely have heard of the two famous universities (the renowned University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, once known as Bristol Polytechnic). Together, these provide higher education to around 54,000 students.
Despite the bustling city life, you’ll also find plenty of green space. There are more than 400 parks dotted throughout Bristol and its suburbs (which is a lot). If you’re willing to go a bit further (in any direction), you have Devon, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and South Wales within easy reach.
Finally (and, of course, I’ve done my research here), Bristol has received several awards in recent times for being a happy and kind place to live. Who knew? But I certainly agree.
Why is Bristol such a property-buying hotspot?
In 2022, Bristol was the fourth most-searched location on Rightmove, according to official stats. That’s pretty good going, I’d say. It was behind only London, Cornwall and Devon (in that order), representing the general popularity and appeal of the South West.
In my opinion, Bristol is simply a great place to live. I hope I’ve done it justice in my quick summary above. That must be part of why so many people flock here to live. There’s so much on offer for so many different individuals.
There are, though, many factors. I suspect one of the most crucial is what I briefly alluded to in the first paragraph: the ease of the London commute. It is so easy – it’s just the M4 all the way. Trains also run regularly.
This means London is easy to access for people who work in the capital. However, they can still live in a more rural (and slightly more affordable) part of the country.
COVID drove a mass exodus away from London, a wave of people hoping to escape the claustrophobic nature of lockdowns in the city. We’re starting to see them return now, but I can’t help but think the trend will continue on some level.
Bristol has something for everyone…
As I’ve shown, Bristol provides a unique atmosphere. It’s an urban environment surrounded by rural space. Thus, it’s perfect for anyone looking for the best of both worlds.
Bristol has many different areas, too, of course. Whether you live right in the centre or towards the outskirts makes a big difference.
Students, young families, retiring couples, businessmen, outdoor sports enthusiasts… anyone and everyone is welcome here. You’ll find something Bristol can offer in each and every corner.
In short, that’s what I love about Bristol. I feel it’s one of the stand-out cities in the UK for its variety and genuinely engaging atmosphere.
House prices in Bristol
Bristol is cheaper than London, but it isn’t the most inexpensive place to buy. Current Rightmove statistics show an average over the past 12 months of around £380,000. Based on my experience, this number seems about accurate.
The most common property type in Bristol is terraced homes. If you’re familiar with the area, you’ll know how many buildings are of this type. These typically go for around £370,000 (depending on the location). Semi-detached homes have a current 12-month average of just over £400,000.
Are you looking to move to the Bristol area? Getting a home survey is a critical part of this process. Without it, you might inadvertently purchase a property with severe (and costly) common problems.
A RICS home survey can help you avoid this. A trained chartered surveyor (such as myself) inspects the building and gives you an honest and impartial report based on their findings.
To learn more, why not drop me a message? Use the form below or find my details on the Locations page.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you and chatting about what Bristol offers.
Martin Taylor, MRICS
