Yeovil’s housing market presents a fascinating paradox. It stands out as the cheapest place to buy property in Somerset, with the BA21 postcode averaging just £224,486 in 2024 — nearly £8,000 less than Bridgwater’s TA6 area, its closest competitor in affordability.
While other Yeovil postcodes such as BA20 and BA22 have slightly higher averages (£249,882 and £355,323 respectively), Yeovil as a whole remains one of the most affordable corners of Somerset.
Locals have mixed feelings about the town’s appeal. Steff, 26, who has lived in Yeovil for around ten years, bluntly states: “Nobody wants to live here.” David, 52, shares a warmer view but concedes, “[Housing is cheap] because people might not want to live down the side of a dirty alleyway.”
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Yet despite perceptions that Yeovil is undesirable, its housing market tells a different story. Both BA21 and BA22 rank among the ten fastest-selling postcodes in Somerset — with BA21 homes selling in just 128 days on average, and BA22 in 129 days.
So, how can houses be both cheap and in high demand? The answer may lie in buyer affordability. For many first-time buyers priced out of more expensive areas like Bath or Frome, Yeovil represents a realistic entry point to home ownership.
Further boosting Yeovil’s appeal are ambitious new housing developments. Earlier this year, plans for nearly 200 new builds on the town’s outskirts were announced, with construction set to commence within a year.
The location factor may also hold the key to understanding why Yeovil remains popular. Despite criticisms of the town center, residents and visitors praise the surrounding countryside, historic sites, and proximity to attractions such as Glastonbury. One resident notes, “Go 20 minutes out of town and you’re in the middle of some of the most gorgeous countryside you could hope to live near.”
Another local enthusiast raves, “I love Yeovil. There are so many lovely walks around, it’s only 40 minutes from the beach and 1.5 hours from Bristol and other cities.”
Attempts to gather insights from local developer Persimmon Homes were unsuccessful as they declined to comment on the housing market.
Meanwhile, the wider Somerset Council area has seen house prices rise by an average of £10,251 (3.8%) over the past year to reach £279,802. North Somerset Council prices rose more sharply, by £15,227 (5.1%) to £313,487 on average.
In contrast, Bath and North East Somerset experienced a decrease in average house prices. Over the 12 months to March 2024, the average home there cost £397,827 — down 1.8%, or £7,471 less per property.
Yeovil’s unique housing dynamics — combining affordability with swift sales — make it a focal point as Somerset’s property landscape evolves. The long-term impact of these trends on the town remains to be seen.