Good morning.

I recently found myself people-watching at a train station—don’t judge me, it’s better than scrolling Instagram. But I forgot my book and im really trying to reduce my screen time.

It got me thinking...

If you're trying to figure out where to invest in property, you could do worse than just sitting and watching people come and go.

Because behind every footstep is a data point: growth, jobs, movement, momentum.

In this week’s issue of The Data Capital, we’re diving into two big indicators that tell us whether an area is going places—literally.

We’re talking economic growth and low unemployment—two macro signs that an area could be ripe for investment.

Let’s see what the data says—and which areas are looking like tomorrow’s hot spots.

Let’s dive in.

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Unemployment and economic growth rates: What the Data Says About Where to Invest Next

Two of my favourite macro metrics to look at are unemployment rates and economic growth rates.

These metrics really allow you to explore whether a particular area is growing.

Ok, so don’t just use these metrics as your only macro metrics as measurements.

But these two metrics for me are vital and the data has to go a certain way for me to be interested.

If people are working and the local area is showing signs of growth, these are ultimately the kinds of signals you want to see when identifying hotspot areas in the UK.

I've discovered some regions in the UK where these metrics look really strong. Sure, some areas might be obviously popular, but that’s the beauty of the data—it often reveals much more than you’d expect.

For context, it's also important to note the current national average unemployment rate of 3.9%, as this provides a useful benchmark for making comparisons.

Below is a chart showing the regions that currently have an unemployment rate below the UK average. These regions include the South West, South East, and the East of England.

What also surprised me is that Northern Ireland has the lowest unemployment rate in the UK—significantly lower than the national average.

Unemployment Rate by UK Region

This is great, but I want to dive into it a bit more. The unemployment rate is a good indicator—it shows that people are working and jobs are available, which is a positive sign for any region.

But does low unemployment necessarily equate to growth?

The chart below starts to put some meat on the bones. If we take a closer look, we can see the projected GVA (Gross Value Added) for each region.

What’s interesting is the clear correlation: regions with the lowest unemployment rates also show the highest projected GVA growth. That suggests these areas aren't just stable—they’re on a growth trajectory too.

Projected GVA Growth (2025–2028) by UK Region

Ok, so what is it about these areas that shows growth momentum, and what’s happening in these regions across the UK?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the UK’s top-performing regions.

South West

Exeter leads the way with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. The region is set for annual GVA growth between 1.6% and 1.9%, thanks to thriving sectors like aerospace, technology, and construction.

Exeter stands out as a hub for tech, utilities, and education, backed by solid infrastructure.

Not far behind, Bristol continues to strengthen its reputation as a centre for innovation in both tech and the creative industries.

The city is home to a growing number of startups, scale-ups, and established companies working in AI, green tech, digital media, and animation—sectors that have flourished thanks to a strong talent pipeline from local universities and research hubs.

East Of England

Next up is the East of England, where Cambridge stands out with an impressively low unemployment rate of 3.4%.

The region is forecast to grow by 1.7% annually through 2028, a pace driven by its high-value, knowledge-based industries that continue to attract global attention and investment.

Cambridge, often referred to as "Silicon Fen," is a global hotspot for tech and biotech. Norwich is also carving out a strong identity in manufacturing and renewable energy.

Just up the road, Norwich is quietly emerging as a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

The city is tapping into the clean energy transition with developments in offshore wind and sustainable infrastructure, all while retaining a strong agricultural tech base.

Combined, these cities position the East of England as a region where cutting-edge innovation meets economic resilience—a compelling prospect for both job seekers and property investors alike.

South East

In the South East, unemployment remains below the national average, with places like Winchester showing strong performance. The region is forecast to grow by 2% annually, driven by IT, finance, and professional services.

Winchester was ranked as the top city for job opportunities in 2024. Meanwhile, St Albans and Chelmsford are posting strong employment numbers and offering high average salaries.

Northern Ireland

Finally, Northern Ireland stands out with the lowest unemployment rate in the UK—just 2%. It's expected to maintain solid growth, with annual GVA rising by around 1.6% through 2028.

I was surprised by this one. I'm not sure why, but I guess I wasn't expecting it. The data clearly favours Northern Ireland, and it's a reminder that assumptions don't always match reality.

Why is this?

Belfast, in particular, is gaining momentum as a fintech and cybersecurity hub, signalling strong potential for both economic development and property investment.

It has transformed itself.

Once primarily known for shipbuilding and heavy industry, the city has reinvented itself over the past decade into a modern hub for technology, professional services, and innovation.

One of the standout sectors in Belfast is fintech. The city has attracted major financial institutions and startups alike, creating a fast-growing ecosystem supported by both government investment and private capital.

Companies such as Citi, Allstate, and PwC have set up significant operations here, thanks in part to Belfast’s highly educated workforce and competitive cost base compared to other UK cities.

Supporting Data Overview

My thoughts……….

When it comes to spotting the next property investment hotspot, the data doesn’t lie. Regions with low unemployment and strong GVA projections are signalling more than just stability—they’re pointing to real momentum, innovation, and long-term opportunity.

From the aerospace-driven South West to the tech-fuelled East of England, and the finance-forward South East to Belfast’s fintech boom, the numbers show clear indicators of growth.

These aren’t just places people are moving to—they’re places the economy is growing into.

BOTTOM LINE

✅ Pros:

• Employment-Driven Demand: Regions with low unemployment—like Northern Ireland, the South West, and the East of England—show strong economic resilience and steady tenant demand.

• High-Value Growth Sectors: Key industries such as technology (Cambridge), aerospace (South West), and professional services (South East) drive long-term economic performance and income stability.

• Strong Infrastructure: Areas with robust transport links, like the M4 corridor, boost connectivity and business viability, increasing property desirability.

⚠️ Cons:

• Regional Variability: Not all cities within these regions perform equally—investors need to carefully assess local market conditions.

• Sector Dependency: Economic reliance on specific industries (e.g., tech in Cambridge) may create risks if those sectors face downturns.

• Limited Supply in Hotspots: High-demand areas may have limited property stock, increasing competition and driving up entry costs.

TO DO LIST

✅ Next week- We going to take a look at some properties in these thriving regions and see if we can pick up a great property. Stay tuned!

✅ Share the Wealth – Found this edition valuable? Don’t keep it to yourself—share The Data Capital with your friends and network. Help them turn data into real-world wealth, just like you. 🚀