New research has revealed a surprising disconnect between homeowners and the true value of their properties, with nearly eight in ten (78%) unaware of what their home is really worth—and two-thirds (64%) undervaluing their biggest asset.
According to data from Zoopla, a significant proportion of UK homeowners are “wildly undervaluing their property,” missing out on substantial potential equity gains. This is largely due to longterm house price growth over the past decade, which many have not fully accounted for, despite the relatively stable market seen over the past two to three years
A Hidden Wealth of Equity
The majority of homeowners who undervalued their homes did so by £10,000–£30,000, but more than a third (35%) were out by £100,000 or more, and nearly one in five (18%) misjudged by at least £250,000. Many attributed the increase in their home’s value to the growing desirability of their area (33%), renovations or improvements (33%), and increased demand for their type of property (29%).
Those who have owned their homes for 30 years or more were more likely to have an accurate understanding of its value (31%), well above the average of 22%.
Regional Trends: Undervaluing More Common in the North
The trend is more pronounced in certain regions. 81% of homeowners in the North East admitted to undervaluing their property, followed closely by 78% in Scotland and 74% in the South West. Even in London, where market coverage is high, 65% of homeowners underestimated their property’s value.
| Region | Undervaluing |
| North East | 81% |
| Scotland | 78% |
| South West | 74% |
| North West | 73% |
| London | 65% |
| East Midlands | 64% |
| Wales | 64% |
| West Midlands | 62% |
| Yorkshire & The Humber | 60% |
| South East | 53% |
| East of England | 44% |
| Northern Ireland | 41% |
| UK Avergae | 64% |
A Small Minority Still Overvaluing
While most sellers are too cautious, a minority (13%) overestimated their property’s worth, often by as much as £46,866. In these cases, nearly half assumed prices had continued rising, while others misjudged the added value of renovations or the appeal of their property type.
Crucially, those who insisted on higher asking prices against estate agent advice often faced lengthy delays, taking an average 60% longer to go under offer, and many ultimately had to reduce their price or failed to sell altogether.
The Value of Expert Advice
At Winkworth, we always encourage homeowners to get a professional valuation before listing their property. A clear understanding of market conditions and accurate pricing is key to achieving a quick and successful sale. While online tools are useful for ballpark estimates, nothing beats the insight of an experienced local agent.
Whether you’re thinking of selling, remortgaging, or simply curious about your home’s current value, get in touch with your local Winkworth office for an expert, no-obligation valuation. You might be pleasantly surprised
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