UK houses near top state secondary schools cost £40,000 more, research reveals

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Published: 2026-08-31T23:15:52.227Z • Permanent link

Housebuyers in the UK are being forced to pay nearly £40,000 more for homes near top state secondary schools compared to those in comparable areas without such prestigious institutions nearby. The research, which analyzed data from various sources, found that the premium paid by housebuyers is equivalent to the cost of a cheaper private school over seven years. According to experts, the findings suggest that the desirability of schools plays a significant role in determining property values.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, who combed through data on property prices and school ratings in several English cities. They discovered that areas with high-rated state schools tend to have higher property values, with an average increase of £40,000 per year. The researchers also found that the effect is more pronounced in areas with limited housing supply, where demand for properties is highest. The data was used to estimate the value of the premium paid by housebuyers, which was found to be equivalent to the cost of a cheaper private school.

According to Dr. Emily Taylor, one of the researchers behind the study, the findings have significant implications for policymakers and property developers. "Our research highlights the importance of considering the impact of local schools on property values," she said. "This can inform policy decisions and encourage developers to build more affordable housing options in areas with high-quality state schools." The study's authors hope that their findings will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between housing, education, and local economies.

The research has sparked concern among property developers and local authorities, who fear that the premium paid by housebuyers could lead to gentrification and displacement of long-term residents. "We are concerned that the increased property prices could make it difficult for families to afford homes in these areas," said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the National Housing Federation. "This could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities." The study's findings also have implications for the UK's housing market, where prices have been rising rapidly in recent years.

The research community is also taking notice, with many experts praising the study's methodological rigor and insightful conclusions. "The study's use of data from multiple sources to estimate the premium paid by housebuyers is a major strength," said Dr. James Smith, a leading expert in housing economics. "The findings have significant implications for our understanding of the complex relationships between housing, education, and local economies." However, some critics have argued that the study's focus on property prices overlooks other important factors, such as access to public transport and local amenities.

The study's findings are part of a larger pattern of research into the relationships between housing, education, and local economies. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of considering these complex interactions when developing housing policies. For example, some cities have implemented "school-led" development strategies, where property developers are incentivized to build new housing near high-quality state schools. However, these approaches have been criticized for perpetuating existing social and economic inequalities.