When house prices sprint but wages walk
It’s no secret that getting on or moving up the property ladder around the Wirral feels tougher than it used to be. The latest figures help explain why.
Over the past year, house prices have risen more than five times faster than wages. While the average salary went up by just under two thousand pounds, the average home added more than ten thousand to its price tag. Across the UK, the typical property now costs around two hundred and seventy one thousand pounds.
That’s a big gap to close, especially for first time buyers in Wirral who are trying to save a deposit while rent and living costs keep climbing.
Where the gap is widest
Some areas have seen house prices race ahead of pay more than others.
The East of England and East Midlands have seen the biggest gaps, with prices rising almost seven times faster than earnings. Scotland, Wales and Yorkshire have also felt the pinch, with property values climbing five to six times faster than wages.
Even in London, where salaries tend to be higher and price growth has eased slightly, homes are still increasing in value nearly five times faster than average earnings. Closer to home, parts of the North West have shown a smaller gap, though prices are still rising quicker than pay.
What it means for buyers and movers in Wirral
For local buyers, this widening divide means the deposit hurdle keeps growing. Lenders base affordability on income, so slower wage growth can make it harder to borrow enough, even with steady rates.
It also means people may stay in their homes longer before moving on, reducing the number of properties available and keeping competition strong.
But national averages don’t always tell the full story. In the Wirral housing market, different postcodes are performing in different ways. Some areas have cooled slightly while others continue to see steady growth.
That mix can create opportunities for buyers who understand the local picture and are ready to move when the right property appears.
If you live or work in the area, keeping an eye on Wirral’s housing trends can give you a clearer idea of what’s realistic right now.