Wolverhampton house prices surge, topping West Midlands, but locals have mixed feelings.
The study indicated Wolverhampton house prices increased by around 12.4% in one year, amounting to a £30,678 rise. Prices climbed from £247,405 to £278,083 between 2023 and 2024.
The city boasts good transport links and useful amenities. Green spaces are also easily accessible, allowing people to enjoy both city and countryside. BlackCountryLive engaged with locals, soliciting opinions from shoppers and businesses about the ranking.
Gavin Mattocks expressed surprise, acknowledging the city has both good and bad aspects. Employment remains a significant hurdle, although he highlighted the pleasant countryside surrounding Wolverhampton. He believes Wolves, the football team, and Dunstall Raceway are attractions, along with the recently popular music venue, The Halls, and KK’s Steel Mill. However, he desires improvements in the nightlife.
Taruna Shirley also conveyed surprise, stating Wolverhampton is not faring well. She believes people are facing financial struggles and criticized government policies and rising costs.
One passerby described Wolverhampton as a “dire place,” while a young man lamented the dirty streets. He feels the council is not addressing the issue adequately and believes the government should provide more assistance.
One woman noted the conditions depend on the area, suggesting Wednesfield has improved. Vijay Patel, who owns a menswear shop, doubts the city attracts new people. He contends house prices are increasing everywhere.
Mr. Patel anticipates challenging times for businesses, suspecting the country is already in recession. He worries about the financial strain on working-class people, who spend heavily on essential bills. He observes fewer people on the high street and finds business very challenging.
Ryan Stackhouse, who runs a coffee shop, believes the city centre has deteriorated. He mentioned current downtown construction and accused the council of “killing” the town center, adding that parking costs have increased.
Brian Baker, aged 89, voiced his discontent with the city, believing there is a lack of respect and recalling better times in the past.
Stoke-on-Trent secured the top spot in the study, experiencing a 17.2% increase in house prices, with the average reaching £227,002. Halifax attributed this to people seeking more affordable homes due to higher mortgage costs.