Rents have surged unevenly in recent years, revealing a striking divide shaped by shifting incomes and tenant affordability. While some areas have seen rapid momentum, others have moved more steadily, exposing a complex landscape that reflects economic pressures and evolving demand in communities.

This map highlights the average size of homes sold across the UK since 2020, measured in square feet from completed sales. What stands out is how little the averages vary between regions, despite very different housing types. Northern Ireland is the clear exception, with noticeably larger homes on average.

Despite the headlines, first-time buyers in Attleborough are not locked out of homeownership. When you look beyond prices and focus on monthly mortgage costs, affordability today is far better than many realise. The data challenges the doom narrative and shows that, while deposits are tough, buying a first home is still possible.

A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.