Regional Report5 min readUpdated April 2026

South West Property Market: Regional Analysis & County Comparison (2026)

7 counties, 60,559 transactions, median £304,623.

ML

Matt Lenzie

Founder, Construction Capital

Published 8 April 2026

South West Property Market Overview

The South West region encompasses 7 counties, recording a combined 60,559 residential transactions over the past 12 months. The regional median property price stands at £304,623, with prices falling at -1.9% year-on-year.

New-build activity across the region totalled 845 completions, demonstrating an active development pipeline.

County-by-County Comparison

The table below compares all 7 counties in the South West region, ranked by median property price. Click any county name for the full market report.

CountyMedian PriceSales (12m)YoY ChangeNew Builds
Bristol£345,00022,563+0.2%171
Dorset£336,5006,239-2.1%46
Gloucestershire£315,0007,277-2%154
Wiltshire£304,6236,159+0.3%125
Cornwall£295,0003,068-5.1%51
Somerset£294,0007,339+0.1%118
Devon£290,0007,914-4.9%180

Price Geography

Property prices across South West vary significantly. Bristol commands the highest median price at £345,000, while Devon offers the most affordable entry at £290,000 — a spread of £55k.

This price differential creates opportunities across the risk-return spectrum. Premium locations offer higher GDVs but require larger capital commitments, while more affordable areas can deliver stronger percentage returns on lower absolute investment.

Development Hotspots

The most active development markets in South West, measured by new-build completions, are Devon (180 new builds), Bristol (171 new builds), Gloucestershire (154 new builds).

By total transaction volume — an indicator of market liquidity and exit confidence — Bristol (22,563 sales), Devon (7,914 sales), Somerset (7,339 sales) lead the region.

Developers entering the South West market should weigh these two metrics together: new-build activity shows where planning consent is achievable, while transaction volume confirms buyer demand.

Finance Landscape

Development finance across South West varies by location and scheme size. In premium areas like Bristol, typical scheme GDVs support larger facilities, while more affordable counties may suit developers using bridging finance for refurbishment-led strategies.

Senior development finance is available from 6.5% p.a. at up to 65-70% LTGDV, with mezzanine finance stretching total borrowing to 85-90% of costs. For developers building across multiple sites in the region, portfolio-level facilities can offer better terms.

Construction Capital sources terms from 100+ lenders across the South West region. Submit your scheme through our deal room for indicative terms within 24 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Market size: 60,559 transactions across 7 counties — one of the UK's most active regions.
  • Price range: £290,000 to £345,000 median prices, offering opportunities across the capital spectrum.
  • Market direction: 3 of 7 counties showing year-on-year price growth.
  • New build activity: 845 completions across the region, indicating a healthy development pipeline.
  • Finance availability: Full range of development finance, mezzanine, bridging, and exit products available across all South West counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average house price in South West?

The median house price across South West is £304,623, based on 60,559 transactions over the past 12 months. Prices range from £290,000 in Devon to £345,000 in Bristol.

Which county in South West is best for property development?

This depends on your strategy. Bristol offers the highest transaction volumes (22,563 sales) for exit confidence. Devon has the most new-build activity (180 completions). See the individual county reports for detailed analysis.

How are property prices trending in South West?

Prices across South West are falling at -1.9% year-on-year. 3 of 7 counties are seeing price growth.

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