An analysis of HM Land Registry transaction data has revealed Powys as the area with the largest increase in property applications to the registry in 2024.
The rural mid-Wales county saw a 25.2% increase in applications, followed by Bedford with 17.3%, Hounslow in West London at 11.2%, and Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire increasing by 11.1%, according to the research conducted by conveyancing firm Taylor Rose.
The authorities of central London also fared well, with the City of London coming in fifth with a 9.2% increase in applications, and the City of Westminster in eighth place with a 6.4% rise.
Overall, however, the volume of applications went down by 3.4% from 4.3 million to 4.2 million between 2023 and 2024, which Taylor Rose attributes to higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty.
The national firm, which handled over 18,000 conveyancing instructions in 2024, examined land registry applications between 2023 and 2024 to come up with the list. The analysis covers all applications relating to properties changing hands or newly registered properties, rather than applications for searches or official copies of documents.
Ruben Perin, commercial director of Residential Property Law at Taylor Rose, commented:
“The positive performance, reflected in the recent data, underscores how both rural and urban markets are attracting motivated buyers and driving robust property activity. Despite market challenges, regions like Powys, Bedford and other standout areas such as Hounslow are proving that pockets of opportunity remain vibrant. This surge, along with significant increases in other regions, signals strong buyer confidence and highlights clear opportunities, as the housing market continues to grow despite broader economic challenges.
“With the Government moving ahead with its Planning and Infrastructure Bill, it will be interesting to see how councils can react to this and which will see an increase in Land Registry applications over the next year.”
