East Midlands Property Guide

Extending more than 6,000 square miles, the East Midlands is one of England’s nine regions. It is home to around five million residents across six counties: Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and most of Lincolnshire.

The East Midlands hosts beautiful cities like Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln. It includes stunning stretches of open landscapes and the picturesque Peak District National Park. The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB is popular among walkers and cyclists, while the atmospheric Sherwood Forest is perfect for adventures.

From first- or second-time buyers to those thinking of upsizing or downsizing and property investors, this guide is here to help. Learn more about buying a new home in East Midlands.

Diverse and affordable, the East Midlands ticks many crucial boxes for investors. The region has various property hotspots catering to all budgets and lifestyles.

Property developer SevenCapital recently named Nottingham among the top ten UK cities for investing. Far more affordable than most of the country’s other leading cities, Nottingham’s attractive property prices are set for sustained growth over the coming years. The arrival of HS2 will also lead to significant increases in house values.

Northampton is also among the best investment areas in the region thanks to its rental yields, the potential for long-term appreciation in house prices and the local demand for rental properties. Property prices rose by 20% between 2019 and 2023, with buyers preferring terraced homes.

Thanks to our selection of developments, finding investment property in the East Midlands is easy. You’ll also discover how straightforward it is to invest with us.

The East Midlands offers different lifestyles across its towns, cities and villages. Some areas are highly sought-after for their connections, while others are popular for their access to natural spaces.

Bakewell

This beautiful spot in the Derbyshire Dales was named among the UK’s top five most desirable market towns in 2021. Famous for its local pudding, Bakewell sits along the banks of the River Wye and is surrounded by breathtaking Peak District scenery.

Southwell

Also featuring in the top ten, this Nottinghamshire market town has Norwood Park on its fringes. One of the best places to live in the East Midlands, Southwell has a selection of outstanding local schools and is close to the River Trent for relaxing walks by the water.

Market Harborough

Another desirable market town in Leicestershire, Market Harborough, is a vibrant spot with a buzzy local culture. Trains into London take just 55 minutes, making this an ideal place for commuters.

From rural spots to the best cities for family life in the East Midlands, this region caters to children and older generations. From country villages known for their low crime rates and many excellent schools, below are some of the best places to live for families in the East Midlands.

Hugglescote

On the River Sense, 12 miles from the centre of Leicester, Hugglescote is a pleasant village conveniently located for commuting to Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham. It’s also near natural spaces like Beacon Hill Country Park, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Kibworth

On the other side of Leicester, Kibworth is an upmarket village with a strong sense of community, great for families of all ages. It also has an outstanding local primary school.

Ashbourne

If you want your children to grow up in a rural environment, this pretty Derbyshire spot could be for you. There are excellent primary and secondary schools in Ashbourne and beautiful houses for families.

Ofsted rankings of best schools in the East Midlands

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Ruskington Chestnut Street Church of England Academy	Good	September 2021
Ancaster CofE Primary School	Good	February 2023
William Alvey School	Good	May 2022
Osbournby Primary School	Good	June 2022
St George's Academy	Good	April 2019
St Botolph’s C of E Primary School	Good	February 2023
Rauceby Church of England Primary School	Good	March 2018
The Barnes Wallis Academy	Good	January 2023
The Metheringham Primary School	Good	January 2023
Carre’s Grammar School	Good	March 2019

Have you always dreamt of living by the sea, or are you searching for country property for sale in the East Midlands? From the Lincolnshire coast to the spectacular Peak District and Sherwood Forest with its legendary tales, the region is home to some of the best countryside in the UK.

Chesterfield

Chesterfield is a large town boasting excellent access to the Peak District, also proving popular among commuters to Sheffield, which is 12 miles north. Holmebrook Valley Country Park is nearby, plus plenty more green spaces in and around the town centre.

Buxton

If you prefer living in a more rural spot in the heart of the Peak District, the spa town of Buxton could be worth considering. It enjoys breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape, 300 metres above sea level.

Alford

Over on the east coast, this attractive town on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds is just a few miles from the seaside. Whether walking in the hills or relaxing on the beach, Alford is only a short drive from bustling Skegness with its pleasure beach and waterfront attractions.

The East Midlands is a diverse region, with vibrant cities like Leicester and Nottingham, sought-after market towns and rural villages surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.

While some parts of the East Midlands are appealing for their quiet, relaxed nature, others are popular for their transport links and connections. Northampton is desirable for its access to London, while many towns and cities are close to the M1 motorway.

The region is served by East Midlands Airport, which lies midway between Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. East Midlands Railway offers many train services, while lines link different parts of the region together and with neighbouring areas. This includes the East Coast Main Line, going from London to Edinburgh.

Whether searching for a guide to Buy to Let in the East Midlands or looking for your forever home, we’re on hand to advise you every step of the way.

Buying your home in Leicester

With history and culture, Leicester is one of the best markets in the East Midlands for buying a new home. Local property prices have risen by 12% between 2020 and 2023.

Wigston

On the southeast outskirts of Leicester, Wigston is a great place to live if you want to have space while benefiting from city centre amenities. House prices have recorded a similar trend to the local property scene.

Fleckney

If you’d rather live further from the city while retaining easy access, this pretty village could be up your street. Fleckney is around nine miles from Leicester’s centre.

Buying your home in Nottingham

An exciting city with many great things to do and see, properties in Nottingham are always in demand. Cosmopolitan and cultural, while also packed with history and art, the city is ideal for families, first-time buyers and investors alike. Despite their broad appeal and seeing an increase in value of 10% between 2020 and 2023, Nottingham homes remain affordable.

Bingham

Searching for Nottingham property on the outskirts of town? Bingham is a favourite market town, only 15 minutes from the city centre by train. Thanks to the exciting amenities, the property market grew by around 7% between 2020 and 2023.

East Leake

Around ten miles south of Nottingham City Centre, East Leake boasts excellent access to East Midlands Airport and Loughborough. This large village offers a semi-rural way of life and plenty of local amenities.

Buying your home in Derby

Derby lies on the River Derwent and offers the best of everything. It has a thriving economy and excellent schools. It’s close to attractions like the Peak District and Alton Towers, with exciting activities and great connections. Local house prices rose by just under 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Northampton

Historic and surrounded by green spaces in and around the town centre, Northampton is conveniently located to access the M1 motorway. It is also 50 minutes from London by train.

Wellingborough

Ten miles from Northampton, Wellingborough is a pleasant market town surrounded by the glorious Northamptonshire countryside. Local property prices rose by around 10% from 2020 to 2023.

Buying your home in Mansfield

Another historic market town surrounded by beautiful forests, Mansfield sits astride the River Maun and is close to the M1. Mansfield property prices increased by 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Ollerton

On the edge of Sherwood Forest, this pleasant town is around nine miles from the centre of Mansfield. Just half an hour’s drive from Nottingham, house prices in Ollerton rose by 8% between 2020 and 2023. That means you can look forward to excellent long-term prospects.

Buying your home in Lincoln

Lincoln is a lovely place to live, with plenty of history, culture and access to natural landscapes. Long-term prospects are good in Lincoln, as local house prices increased by 9% between 2020 and 2023.

Newark

Newark lies along the A46, midway between Lincoln and Nottingham. It’s well-connected with a charming setting on the River Trent.