4. Methodology
Download PDFRegional allocation of postcode areas
For consistency, each postcode area is allocated in full to a single ONS region. Where a postcode area straddles a regional boundary, it is assigned to the region in which the majority of its properties fall. A small number of postcode areas that span boundaries (for example DA, which covers both Greater London and Kent) may therefore include a proportion of properties that sit outside the reported region.
Data currency and retrospective updates
Property transaction records are submitted to HM Land Registry following completion and can be retrospectively amended or added for several months — and in some cases years — after the transaction date. All analysis in this report is based on the latest available data at the time of publication. As a result, figures for more recent months may be revised in subsequent editions as additional registrations are received.
Cross-source data and yield calculations
Purchase price data is sourced from HM Land Registry and is available at postcode sector level. Rental data is sourced from the ONS Private Rental Market Statistics, which are published at local authority district (LAD) level rather than postcode level. Where postcode areas do not align precisely with local authority boundaries, rental figures are estimated by apportioning LAD-level data to postcode areas based on the distribution of properties. Gross rental yields are derived by dividing annualised average rent by average purchase price; they do not account for void periods, management costs, maintenance, or financing.
Accuracy and limitations
This report has been produced with care and all underlying data has been checked for consistency. However, errors may occur, particularly in postcode areas or districts with low transaction volumes, where small numbers of sales can produce figures that are not representative of the broader market. Nothing in this report constitutes financial or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own due diligence before making any property-related decisions.