The 2026 Creative Quarter Update: How Leamington’s Tech Boom is Fueling Property Demand

Estate agent showing a couple property information in Leamington Spa’s Creative Quarter area

Leamington Spa is no stranger to evolution. Known for its Regency charm and strong commuter links, it has now stepped into the national spotlight for another reason – its thriving tech and creative sector. In 2026, as the town’s Creative Quarter regeneration enters a transformative new phase, it’s clear that this investment is doing more than attracting digital talent. It’s shifting the centre of gravity southward and accelerating buyer demand in some of the town’s most dynamic postcodes.

At Martin & Co Leamington Spa, we’re seeing firsthand how the regeneration is impacting the local market. Whether you’re looking to buy, invest, or understand how property values are changing, now is the time to pay attention to the Leamington Spa property market in 2026.

What is the Creative Quarter and why does it matter?

The Creative Quarter is a public-private partnership led by Warwick District Council and developers Complex Development Projects. Launched in 2018, the initiative aims to regenerate a large portion of Leamington’s Old Town – particularly around Spencer Yard, the United Reform Church, and the Bath Street corridor.

In early phases, the focus was on small-scale restoration and seeding creative workspaces. But since 2025, the second major phase has expanded dramatically. Key developments include:

  • Refurbishment of the historic Town Hall into a creative co-working and events hub
  • Conversion of derelict industrial units into flexible tech offices and art studios
  • Investment in public realm improvements including lighting, cycleways and signage
  • Support for live/work units to attract digital professionals and startups

Combined, these efforts are rebranding South Leamington from a functional commercial zone to a sought-after destination in its own right.

The rise of Silicon Spa

While the regeneration is driving the area’s visual and cultural change, the real economic engine is Leamington’s booming tech sector. Often referred to as “Silicon Spa,” the town is one of the UK’s major gaming industry hubs. According to the UK Interactive Entertainment Association, more than 15% of the UK’s game development workforce is based in Leamington Spa and its immediate surroundings.

Household names such as Playground Games (creators of the Forza Horizon series), Codemasters, and Electric Square are anchored in the area. These companies continue to attract top-tier digital talent, many of whom are relocating from larger cities in search of better work-life balance.

As the sector grows, so does the need for high-quality housing that appeals to:

  • Young professionals in tech and gaming roles
  • Hybrid workers who split time between home and the London office
  • Families looking to relocate from Birmingham, Coventry and Oxford

In 2026, it’s not just jobs moving to Leamington Spa – it’s households. And that’s placing steady upward pressure on property demand.

Spotlight on CV31: South Leamington steps forward

Traditionally, North Leamington and the town centre have dominated buyer attention thanks to period homes, parks and proximity to the Parade. But the regeneration has repositioned South Leamington (CV31) as one of the most promising locations for capital growth and yield.

The Bath Street and Old Town corridor has seen significant investment. From improved transport links and upgraded pavements to new eateries and creative venues, the area is now attracting a more diverse range of residents. This includes first-time buyers, creative entrepreneurs and investors seeking long-term returns.

According to Rightmove data (January 2026):

  • The average house price in CV31 is £315,000, up 7.2% year on year
  • Flats are selling for an average of £220,000, with strong demand for 2-bedroom units
  • Victorian terraces near Spencer Yard are reaching £345,000 with bidding competition

By contrast, price growth in more established central areas is closer to 3.4% – highlighting how regeneration often outpaces mature markets in the short term.

What buyers and investors are looking for in 2026

At Martin & Co Leamington Spa, buyer enquiries have increased by more than 20% over the past 12 months, with particular interest in:

  • Walkable access to town centre amenities and the train station
  • Proximity to the creative and digital hubs for employment opportunities
  • Properties suitable for remote or hybrid working
  • Character homes with potential for renovation in growth areas

We’re also seeing a rise in landlords investing in CV31 properties for long-term lets, particularly targeting tech professionals who value stability, location and broadband connectivity.

Are property values responding to the boom?

Absolutely. Demand from new buyers and renters has translated into a measurable increase in local values.

Data from Zoopla (Q1 2026) shows:

  • Average price rise across Leamington Spa: 5.1% year on year
  • CV31 average price rise: 7.2%, led by terraced houses and flats
  • Rental demand up 11.4%, with asking rents in South Leamington averaging £1250 pcm for 2-bedroom flats

Typical gross rental yields in CV31 now range between 5.6% and 6.3%, with lower void periods and high tenant satisfaction scores reported across managed tenancies.

Property snapshot: Investment-ready highlights

  • 2-bed flat near Clemens Street: £225,000 purchase, £1200 pcm rent → 6.4% yield
  • 3-bed Victorian terrace near Bath Street: £345,000 purchase, £1650 pcm rent → 5.7% yield
  • 1-bed conversion near Spencer Yard: £185,000 purchase, £995 pcm rent → 6.4% yield

For investors looking to enter the market, South Leamington offers a balance of affordability and future growth potential that’s increasingly hard to find elsewhere.

Creative Quarter = long-term confidence

What sets Leamington apart is the depth and permanence of its regeneration strategy. This isn’t a one-off housing development or cosmetic facelift – it’s a cultural and economic shift that positions the town as a regional tech and creative leader.

Comparable UK examples include:

  • Bristol’s Temple Quarter – which transformed underutilised land into a leading tech hub, pushing local values up by 20% over 5 years
  • Manchester’s Ancoats district – regenerated into a cultural hotspot, now among the city’s most desirable residential postcodes

In both cases, public investment in creative industries sparked private sector confidence, leading to long-term appreciation in property values and demand. Leamington Spa appears to be following a similar trajectory.

How Martin & Co Leamington Spa supports buyers and investors

Whether you’re looking for your next home, an investment opportunity, or simply want to understand your property’s current value, we can help.

Our services include:

  • Tailored property search support for buyers and investors
  • Advice on yields, voids and tenant demand in CV31 and wider Leamington
  • Local area insights beyond the headline data
  • Fully managed lettings services with transparent fees

We also offer free, no-obligation property valuations and investor consultations to help you plan your next move with confidence.

Start your property journey today by booking a free valuation.

Conclusion: The centre of gravity is shifting south

Leamington Spa is changing. The Creative Quarter is not just a plan on paper – it’s a living, growing part of the town that’s attracting new talent, businesses and energy. And with that comes rising interest in the surrounding residential areas, particularly in CV31.

For buyers and investors looking for the next growth area – one that combines strong fundamentals with long-term regeneration – South Leamington stands out. The opportunity is here. And the time to act is now.

Get in touch with Martin & Co Leamington Spa today to explore available properties, request a valuation, or speak to our local experts about your plans for 2026 and beyond.

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