Blackburn Emerges as a Regional Powerhouse Amid UK Property Market Surge

Blackburn is rapidly cementing its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing housing markets, with new data from Zoopla placing the Lancashire town second in the national rankings for house price growth. As of spring 2025, property values in Blackburn have risen by 5.8% year-on-year, reflecting growing demand, strategic regeneration, and increasing investor confidence in the town and its surrounding borough.

Neighbouring Darwen, equally buoyed by public and private sector investment, has also posted robust figures, recording a 6.9% increase in house prices between 2023 and 2024, according to figures published by Rightmove.

Regeneration Driving Growth

Much of the momentum can be attributed to a sustained programme of regeneration. Recent completions include a £19 million housing development in Mill Hill, led by Great Places Housing Group and Seddon Construction, in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of the Council, believes the data reflects more than just market mechanics. “There’s a genuine sense of renewal across Blackburn and Darwen,” he said. “We’ve been clear that quality housing is a cornerstone of our broader strategy to improve life outcomes. The latest figures show those efforts are delivering measurable results.”

Since 2012, over 3,500 new homes have been constructed in the borough. In the last year alone, an additional 547 units were added to the housing stock, bringing the total to over 63,000 dwellings, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Affordability and Accessibility Key to Appeal

Experts suggest that relatively affordable housing, strong transport links, and lifestyle factors have made Blackburn a key destination for buyers priced out of urban centres such as Manchester and Liverpool.

“High property values in major cities are pushing a new wave of homebuyers toward emerging towns,” explained Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla. “In places like Blackburn, buyers are finding significantly better value while maintaining access to employment and amenities. As a result, the area is experiencing faster-than-average sales and sustained price growth.”

Indeed, the local property market is witnessing heightened activity. Martin Bennett, Director of Crown Estates and Lettings in Blackburn, noted that well-priced homes are attracting immediate attention.

“Demand is outpacing supply in many cases,” he said. “Homes listed at the right price are going under offer within one to two weeks, often after competitive viewings. We’ve seen properties draw interest from more than 10 serious buyers on the first day alone.”

Northern Strength Amid National Moderation

The broader UK market continues to display regional divergence. While house price inflation remains subdued across southern England due to affordability constraints, the North West is showing signs of strength, with cities such as Blackburn, Wigan, and Birkenhead outperforming national averages.

Zoopla forecasts a 2% average increase in UK home values by the end of 2025, with northern and more affordable regions leading the charge.

“Sellers and buyers must adapt their expectations regionally,” Donnell added. “In the North, competitive pricing and attractive yields are maintaining momentum. In the South, tighter margins are requiring more caution and realism.”

Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum

Local leaders are optimistic that this growth is sustainable. Beyond housing, Blackburn is investing heavily in cultural infrastructure, public parks, business development, and skills training, creating a more dynamic economic landscape and higher quality of life for residents.

“We’re ambitious,” Councillor Riley said. “Whether it’s our housing stock, our town centres, or our employment base, we are working to ensure Blackburn with Darwen is seen as a place of opportunity and resilience.”

With rising demand, strategic investments, and a clear vision for future development, Blackburn is not only enjoying a property boom, it’s setting a new standard for regional regeneration in the UK.