Leicester Local Property Guide
Welcome to Leicester
From archaeology digs to a Premier League win in 2016 to the birthplace of veganism, landlocked Leicester is a hidden gem in the UK. Bursting with diversity and culture, it’s home to a variety of vibrant ethnic communities, historical artefacts and buzzing events that will embrace you, whether you’re a local or not.
Leicester has long been overshadowed by the more well-known cities such as Birmingham, London and Manchester, but Leicester deserves some of the spotlight. It’s become synonymous with the King Richard III story: he was killed during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, only to be uncovered by archaeologists in a Leicester car park in 2012 and was subsequently reinterred in Leicester Cathedral. Just a stone’s throw from the captivating Cathedral, the Richard III experience takes fascinated historians through a tale of dynasty, death and discovery. You’ll now find a King Richard III visitor centre with walking tours as well as audio trails around the city.
Did you know that Leicester is the birthplace of the word ‘vegan’? A committed pacifist, Leicester local Donald Watson co-founded The Vegan Society in 1944 and coined the word ‘vegan’ by using the first 3 letters and the last 2 letters of ‘vegetarian’. And vegan or not, you’ll find some stellar eateries in Leicester.
Tuck into this guide all about Leicester. Whether you’re selling your home or searching for the right house for sale in Leicester to suit your needs, read on.
Find your local estate agent in Leicester
Leicester is a wonderful place to call home, whatever your stage of life. If you have a house to sell in Leicester, you might be inclined to take advantage of the demand from buyers.
From professional photography to EPC certificates to hosted viewings and Rightmove listings, your local estate agents in Leicester are happy to tailor services to suit your selling needs. Talk to your local expert who understands Leicester house sales by booking a free valuation.
What’s it like living in Leicester?
Leicester sure is a buzzing city of culture. The bustling Narborough Road area is said to have residents from 23 different countries, earning its title as Britain’s most multicultural high street. Bursting with diversity, you’ll hear as many as 70 languages and dialects spoken across the city, from Urdu and Bengali to Polish, Thai, Chinese and English. Along with cultures, you’ll find a jam-packed calendar of events, from the annual Caribbean Carnival to Leicester Pride and some of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the UK.
It's also safe to say that Leicester is pretty sports-obsessed. From rugby to football, on match days, you can feel the hum of excitement in the air. Stadiums are full to the brim, so keep your eye out for game days if you’re thinking of travelling nearby.
If you’re thinking of packing up to find your ideal Leicester house for sale, keep reading to discover a handful of the top neighbourhoods.
Getting around Leicester
Perfectly positioned in the middle of England, Leicester is an enviable position: it’s easy to travel around the city but it’s also very easy to travel. The great transport links span far out all over the country, with numerous bus routes and railway stations in the area, so you won’t have any trouble commuting to work or going further afield. Public transport seems to be the preferred mode of travel for residents as the city is notorious for one-way systems and maze-like roads. Forgo the car ride and get familiar with the local bus routes instead.
Leicester is also home to a large international airport: the East Midlands Airport (EMA). The airport has flights arriving from and departing for various destinations around Europe, so jet-setting for your next summer holiday will be a breeze.
By train
As you’d expect being in the heart of England, Leicester is well-connected to other parts of the country by rail links. The city has two main train stations: Leicester Station (the main one) and South Wigston (a little south of the city), both of which are operated by East Midlands Railway. Leicester Station is the main station that connects to the rest of the UK, while South Wigston serves local areas. From Leicester, you can travel direct routes across the country, including Birmingham, Nottingham, London and Sheffield. So, where to?
By road
The M1 crosses right by Leicester, making an easy connection to the M69, while several A roads intersect around the city: the A6, A47, A607, A46 and A50, making it easy to drive around Leicester and reach other parts of the country with ease.
Leicester has an extensive bus network that reaches almost every corner of the city and the surrounding villages and towns. It’s incredibly efficient with 3 main bus providers: Arriva Travel, First Bus and Centrebus that converge at Haymarket Bus Station. Along with cheap fares, there are plenty of reasons to sit back and relax while the bus takes you where you need to be.
By bicycle
In a bid to be eco-friendly, Leicester has invested a significant amount into creating a system of cycle paths and routes for safe passage around the city, so hop on and enjoy! You can pick up a free map of the designated bike routes at most community spaces.
The cost of living in Leicester
Leicester is one of the most affordable cities in the UK, so filling up your shopping trolley and buying property won’t break the bank. Compared to other cities in the UK, Leicester is surprisingly affordable, provided you live within your means.
Even though the cost of living in Leicester will vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle, it’s less expensive than its neighbouring cities such as Birmingham and Nottingham, and considerably cheaper than London. By finding affordable properties in Leicester for sale, you can enjoy the city without having to worry about the coffers running dry.
Leicester house sales
Whether you’re looking for a small flat to name your Very First Home or a large terrace house, you’ll find that Leicester has plenty of housing options for everyone – and every budget. The average house price in Leicester is currently £231,874 (according to the UK House Price Index), with roomier detached houses on the higher end as you’d expect, and flats sitting below the average house price, making Leicester affordable for a range of budgets.
Whatever the house type, there are inexpensive properties for sale in Leicester. Take a look at the average house prices (at the time of writing, December 2023):
Detached house: £416,632
Semi-detached: £266,129
Terraced: £206,801
Flat: £153,391
You’re thinking of calling Leicester home? Let’s take a look at a handful of the top neighbourhoods to consider.
Neighbourhoods in Leicester
Oadby and Wigston
Average property price: £358,583
Just 3 miles southeast of the city centre, Oadby and its neighbouring borough, Wigston, are small towns that are some of the more desirable areas to live. Families flock to these residential areas for the great housing, good schools and contagious community spirit. Here, you’ll find Victorian terraces, expansive Edwardian homes and a variety of new build developments.
While the property in these areas tends to be more expensive, you benefit from all the above, as well as being on the edge of South Leicestershire’s rural countryside. It’s no surprise that Oadby and Wigston are the more in-demand areas for families and young professionals.
Adore Oadby already? Check out some of the surrounding houses for sale in Wigston and beyond.
Clarendon Park
Average property price: £278,143
Conveniently placed 2.5 miles from the centre, Clarendon Park is the preferred choice for commuters, families and young professionals, as well as students. With a neighbourly feel, you can find a haven of independent shops, cafés and bars, as well as outdoor sporting pitches and students communing in Victoria Park.
For newcomers into the area, take advantage of the charming housing, characterised by the mix of Victorian and Edwardian styles that won’t break the bank. Surprisingly, this popular area offers very reasonably priced homes, whatever your budget.
Syston
Average property price: £256,715
A small area on the map, Syston is one of Leicester’s hidden gems. Walk along the high street and you’ll see independent shops and cafés, as well as big-name chains. If you’re in the mood for outdoor sports or even a gentle nature walk, head on over to Watermead Country Park to indulge. As a well-connected commuter town, there are great links to Loughborough, Nottingham, Lincoln as well as into the city centre.
With the town’s great overall appeal as well as the excellent value of property, it’s easy to consider Syston as your next home.
Scour properties for sale in Syston, Leicester.
Stoneygate
Average property price: £347,312
As one of Leicester’s best-loved period suburbs, Stoneygate boasts well-kept Edwardian and Victorian family homes that nod to the city’s commercial and industrial heydays. There are imposing mansions, stylish apartments and lovingly restored properties. It’s safe to say this area and these homes are aspirational to many. Quite simply, it’s where the fashionable folk live – or want to live.
Homes in the area do come on the market but be prepared to act quickly to bag one. One of the largest attractions of Stoneygate for buyers looking for a house for sale in Leicester is the area’s stronghold on property value.
But aside from property, you can enjoy tearooms and bistros, the University’s Botanic Garden, places of religious worship, as well as parks and private medical centres for residents
Knighton
Average property price: £331,076
Knighton is another desirable place to live if you’re going to choose Leicester. It’s a quiet, peaceful suburb, but it’s not somewhere where time stands still: there are great transport links and a strong community feel. While South Knighton and its surroundings have evolved throughout the years and housing demand, it’s still managed to maintain its village charm.
It’s also only a 10-minute drive from centre, making it ideal for those who want to be within reach of the latest goings on, but can retire to their quiet suburb to lay their head every night.
See all properties in Leicester for sale.
Leicester fact pack
DNA fingerprinting was discovered at the University of Leicester.
The city’s market is the largest outdoor market in Europe.
It’s home to Walker’s Crisps!
Time to London: 1hr 5min
Population: 357,394
Average temperature in winter: 4C
Average temperature in summer: 16C
Average house price: £231,874
Average monthly rent: £746
Households: 213,600
Schools: 107 primary schools, 40 secondary schools
Helpful links
All of the city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare:
Transport in and around Leicester:
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Leicester property for sale
Is Leicester luring you in? Perhaps it’s the newfound roots in history or the sporting fanbase, the festival fun or the central location. When you’re ready to find a property for sale in Leicester, whether that’s a house for sale in the LE5 postcode, a 3-bedroom house for your family, or a flat for your first purchase, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Leicester.
And because many people are looking to move to Leicester thanks to the location and affordability, homeowners may want to take advantage of the demand. If you’re looking to sell your house in Leicester, start by talking to your local estate agent in Leicester.