Scottish cities dominate both ends of a new ranking of property market liquidity across the UK's 80 largest urban centres
Aberdeen has been ranked the hardest city in which to sell residential property in the UK, with 61.3% of the city's 488 listed properties having been on the market for more than 36 days — the average time a property spends listed in England and Wales, according to Zoopla.
The finding comes from Property Buyers Today, which analysed Rightmove data across the 80 largest UK cities, using the proportion of properties listed beyond the 36-day benchmark as the measure of market liquidity.
Salford placed second, with 60.4% of its 1,890 listed properties exceeding the benchmark. The report noted that significant regeneration activity, particularly in the apartment sector, may be generating an oversupply of comparable properties.
Peterborough followed in third position, with 58.8% of its 1,820 listings aged beyond 36 days, a figure the report attributed in part to substantial housing growth over recent decades giving buyers a wide range of options.
London ranked fourth, with 58.6% of its 61,050 listed properties — approximately 35,753 — on the market for longer than 36 days. Preston completed the top five, with 57.7% of its 711 listings unsold after the 36-day period.
Source: Property Buyers Today / Rightmove. Benchmark: 36 days average (Zoopla).
At the opposite end of the table, Glasgow was identified as the easiest city in which to sell, with only 31.3% of properties remaining listed after 36 days. The report cited good affordability and development activity, including the Clyde Gateway Innovation District, as factors sustaining the city's competitive market.
Edinburgh ranked second-easiest, at 40.6%, followed by Basingstoke (41%), Swindon (42%), and Bristol (42.6%).
"It's interesting that Scotland's three largest cities occupy important spots in both rankings, with Aberdeen having the highest percentage of properties unsold after 36 days in the UK, while Glasgow and Edinburgh have the lowest percentages," said Saif Derzi (pictured right), founder of Property Buyers Today.
"London's fourth spot may be surprising, however, many people confuse a large market with a liquid market, as the large number of available properties means buyers have enormous choice. This means it can take a while for properties to eventually sell.
"The findings suggest that each city's supply and demand dynamics are more important than size or reputation. Cities with a better balance between available listings and consistent interest maintain a steady and faster-moving market."
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