Richmond upon Thames has been named the happiest place to live in Britain in Rightmove's 15th annual "happy at home index," with the average asking price for a home there standing at more than £1 million.
The leafy London borough returned to the top spot after previously winning in 2023 and finishing second last year. With easy access to central London, Thames pathways, roaming deer, boutiques and cafes, the area's average asking price is £1,021,256, while the average asking rent is £3,298 per month.
Top 10 rankings and regional winners
Harrogate in North Yorkshire placed second, with an average asking price of £395,776, while Cirencester in Gloucestershire was third at £407,368. In Wales, Monmouth was the highest ranked, and in Scotland, Kirkcaldy took the top spot.
Last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, remained among Britain's top 10 happiest places to live, ranking seventh in this year's study, which collected responses from more than 24,000 people.
Ian Rigarlsford, group public affairs and campaigns lead at Skipton Building Society, said: "Having lived and worked in Skipton, I know first-hand why it continues to rank among Britain's happiest places."
What makes Richmond stand out
Richmond upon Thames ranked particularly highly across several aspects of local life, including access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, as well as residents' pride in their area, Rightmove said. Fans of hit TV series Ted Lasso will also recognise filming locations in Richmond.
Second-placed Harrogate also ranked highly for access to nature and green spaces, as well as residents' agreement with the statement "I can be myself," according to the study.
Across Britain, four-fifths (81%) of people who took part in the survey said they are happy with where they live. People took part in the research after being emailed via Rightmove's database, so the survey was self-selecting.
Reactions to the findings
Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: "Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities."
Mayor of Richmond upon Thames Councillor Nancy Baldwin said: "This recognition is especially meaningful because residents highlighted their pride in the local area, our beautiful parks and green spaces, and the local services they rely on every day."
Amy Reynolds, head of sales at estate agent Antony Roberts, said: "Families are drawn to Richmond for its excellent schools and green spaces, and they stay for the strong sense of community."
Graham Price, director at Randall Price, said: "What makes Richmond upon Thames such a happy place to live is the balance it offers."
Ian Harris, president of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark, said: "For some buyers, being close to work, good transport links and a lively social scene will be top of the list."
Full list of happiest places
Here are Britain's happiest places to live in 2026, according to Rightmove, with the average asking price for a home and the average asking rent per month:
- Richmond upon Thames, London, £1,021,256, £3,298
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £395,776, £1,750
- Cirencester, South West, £407,368, £1,633
- Monmouth, Wales, £366,782, £1,395
- Hove, South East, £476,115, £2,086
- Chorley, North West, £234,387, £1,011
- Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber, £304,033, £1,110
- Llandrindod Wells, Wales, £234,417, £531
- Horsham, South East, £470,577, £1,933
- Hexham, North East, £317,332, £1,329
Regional winners include Loughborough in the East Midlands, Woodbridge in the East of England, Hexham in the North East, Chorley in the North West, Kirkcaldy in Scotland, Hove in the South East, Cirencester in the South West, Monmouth in Wales, Lichfield in the West Midlands, and Harrogate in Yorkshire and the Humber.
