A vibrant town that’s just minutes away from Newcastle city centre has become a UK property hotspot.

       Gosforth is a pretty little enclave that has always boasted an upmarket reputation - with Newcastle footballers often spotted milling about, including defender Lloyd Kelly and midfielder Sandro Tonali.

       It has precedent as being a bit of a footballer's favourite, with legendary England player Alan Shearer born and raised in the well-heeled suburb.

       Now the location is attracting even more attention as it has been listed as one of the places where property prices are soaring the most in Britain.

       A recent rundown from online property portal Rightmove listed Gosforth as fifth on its list of locations that had bucked the trend of a more muted price growth of 1.4% across Britain.

       In 2024 saw prices rocketed by 7.6% in Gosforth - with the average asking price rising from ￡280,886 in 2023 to ￡302,189.

       And if you’re still after bagging a property bargain Gosforth could be just the spot - with affordable options on the market, such as a ￡55,000 ground floor flat within easy walking distance of the cosmopolitan high street.

       Express.co.uk visited Gosforth to talk to those who live and work there about what they think is driving the property boom.

       READ MORE: Council chief in posh town dubbed 'Chelsea on Sea' quits over second homes row

       Julie Harsted, 55, owns Julie’s Flowers on Gosforth High Street and has run the store for three and half years. She lives in Hebburn - which is around a 15 minute drive away - and is married to Gary, 47.

       She said: “We chose here because it’s a vibrant [part of] town and I’ve worked here before. I know what the footfall is like and people have got money here too.”

       Julie says they’d most definitely consider relocating to the area - and loves the buzz on the main shopping stretch.

       She said: “There are more independent shops coming in - nice shops. It’s always had a nice reputation. I would love to live in Gosforth. My business is here and I love the area. I would consider relocating.”

       Adriano Addis, 65, is a huge fan of Gosforth. He runs a restaurant and deli on the High Street - Adriano’s - and is married to Nicole Addis, 59, a psychotherapist. The pair have two children.

       He said: “Property prices have risen. The older generation died off and passed their properties onto their children - and their families have become professionals. I would highly recommend it as a place to live.”

       The businessman says that a lot of the properties on the market currently are between the ￡800,000 and ￡1m mark - but that there still remains a good choice for different types of buyers.

       He said: “It’s very residential but still very central. It’s close to the airport and there are quite a lot of schools.”

       Don't miss...

       'Unheard of' pretty UK village that's always being confused with a major city [LATEST]

       The incredible European village where 6,000 people live on the same road [REPORT]

       UK village with more Michelin stars per person than Tokyo [REVEAL]

       Victoria Graham, 39, runs For Paws pet shop in Gosforth and lives in nearby Fenham with her partner Laura Gilbert, 36.

       She said: “I have noticed that property prices have gone up - and obviously [since Covid] it’s gone mad. I have no idea what’s driving it.”

       Victoria says that Gosforth is also attracting people from outside of the area who are relocating.

       She said: “I have noticed that there are a lot of people from down south coming to the area - quite a few of my customers are from down south. The community is the best bit - everybody helps each other out and they are very friendly. They now do an event in the park once a month with food stalls and craft stalls.”

       She added: “I would definitely consider moving here if I had the money!”

       Gosforth resident Stephen, a project manager in his 50s, agrees that property prices are on the up.

       Stephen, who didn’t want to give his second name, said: “I have noticed that they are definitely still going up. I think it’s a shortage that’s driving it. It’s a case of supply and demand. Lots of people want to live here and there aren’t more houses being built.”

       He added: “There are good schools, parks, lots of people who are similar to you. It has a good community feel - with cafes on the high street.”

       Clinical scientist Laura Hughes, 33, lives in Gosforth with her partner Philip Ruane, 32, and their baby boy Flynn, who is seven weeks old. They have lived in Gosforth for eight years - but have noticed even in that time that property prices are heading for the sky.

       She said: “I find for me it’s really family friendly and there is so much stuff going on. There are lots of nice cafes and lots of clubs and classes. It’s quite central but still quite quiet. I have got a car but don’t necessarily need one. I’m really glad I’m here.”

       Laura added: “We bought ours [house] about three years ago and are quite surprised to see how much that’s increased in value in a short period of time.”

       Spike Hale, 77, is a retired teacher from Gosforth who moved to the area in 1984. He and his wife, who didn’t wish to be named, have three children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

       He too has noticed that prices are soaring.

       Spike said: “We’re conscious of it and see some of the properties that have come on the market - nothing stays on the market very long. It’s very, very fast moving and there are not a lot of properties that stick.”

       The pensioner wouldn’t hesitate in giving it the thumbs up to others looking to relocate - but does have one word of warning.

       Spike added: “I would definitely recommend living here - but it’s becoming very expensive.”

       Property expert Andrew Boast, founder of SAM Conveyancing, agreed wholeheartedly with the views of Gosforth residents and business owners.

       He said: “Gosforth remains one of Newcastle's most sought-after neighbourhoods due to its top-rated schools, green spaces, and strong community feel.

       “Its excellent transport links into the city centre, combined with a vibrant high street filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, make it a perennial favourite among buyers - both those looking for a first home or a spot on a commuter belt.”

       He added: “It's this balance between urban convenience and suburban charm that continues to drive demand, pushing house prices upward as supply struggles to keep pace.”