Demand for homes across the U.K. has risen 8% since the beginning of the year, according to Monday’s Property Hotspot Index from online estate agents Emoov.
But the overall nationwide rise is being buoyed by an impressive 10% uptick in demand in Wales and an 8% increase in Scotland.
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England saw the smallest change with demand rising 3% since the start of the year, likely a result of the higher prices across England, the report said.
The quarterly index focuses on demand levels in the U.K. based on the number of properties sold in a particular area as a percentage of total stock listed.
In London, demand has increased by 2%, the first positive signs of buyer demand in the capital in over a year, the report said.
The rises are driven by prime central London, said Russell Quirk founder and CEO of Emoov, in the report.
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"The capital is always the first to show signs of decline due the higher price tag but it would seem that despite slower market conditions, there is still an appeal for living in the capital," Mr. Quirk said.
The borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has seen demand rise the most, up 71%, followed by Lambeth, where demand has risen 35%.
But London’s commuter belt—where priced-out London buyers have flocked in droves, pushing up prices and demand—is starting to show signs of slowing down as demand has dropped 7% since the start of 2018.
The area has "been on fire for quite some time," Mr. Quirk said, "but has dropped the pace a little in 2018. It is inevitable that such a sustained level of demand will eventually drive prices up and so this slight correction is nothing to worry about."