eMoov plots North-South divide

eMoov plots a North-South divide using house prices as a guide.

Online estate agent eMoov has plotted what it deems the country’s North-South divide – which is apparently separated by a £200,000 gap in house prices.

As displayed on the map the divide begins by Bristol in the West Country and runs up the border with Wales through Herefordshire and Shropshire, before cutting back down through Worcestershire below the West Midlands by Leicestershire and Rutland, to Norfolk and the East Coast.

This £200,000 gap applies everywhere other than in North Yorkshire, Edinburgh and East Lothian in Scotland and the Vale of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire in Wales.

Average house prices are £295,395 South of the divide and £146,344 in the North.

Russell Quirk, eMoov founder and chief executive, said: “Of course, this research is only valid where property prices are concerned and doesn’t consider the further economic criteria that divide the North and South of the UK.

“However, with the divide often discussed across the industry itself, it’s important that there be a clearer definition of what and where it actually is.

“It is widely considered that the North is playing catch-up with the South where the divide is concerned and of course, there is good reason property may command a higher price in particular areas of the UK.

“However, for many struggling to get that first foot on the ladder, this research highlights the additional hurdles facing those South of the line and in this instance, why heading North is a much more attractive proposition. Yes property prices are climbing at a slower rate but that is of little concern to those that don’t own a property.”

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