Properties in Runcorn, Cheshire, are selling in an average of just 34 days, making it one of the fastest-moving housing markets in the UK, according to Rightmove data. The national average time to secure a buyer currently stands at 64 days.
The industrial town on the River Mersey benefits from affordable housing, with average prices over the past year at £194,184, significantly below the UK average of £364,833. Terraced properties, the most common type sold, averaged £133,800, while semi-detached homes fetched around £194,929 and detached properties £308,648.
Runcorn's appeal is boosted by excellent transport links, with Manchester about 45 minutes away by car or train, and Liverpool and Chester less than 20 minutes by train. The town also offers green spaces and a rich industrial heritage.
Other fast-selling areas include Carlisle (37 days) and Bootle (40 days), but the fastest market overall is Cumbernauld near Glasgow, where homes sell in just 15 days. Scotland dominates the top ten fastest markets due to its unique buying system.
In contrast, coastal areas are the slowest, with St Austell in Cornwall taking an average of 101 days to sell, followed by Paignton (97 days) and Torquay (95 days).
