Now in its 15th year, the annual Happy at Home Index explores exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlights the happiest places in Great Britain for 2026.
More than 24,000 residents across 221 locations evaluated their area, rating everything from access to nature and green spaces to local services, amenities and employment opportunities.
Richmond upon Thames is the happiest place to live in Great Britain in 2026, according to the Happy at Home Index.
The area ranked most highly for access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, as well as residents’ pride in their area. The average asking price in the area is £1,021,256, 175% more than the Great Britain Average of £371,015 (Rightmove House Price Index, October 2026).
Key findings
Richmond-Upon-Thames has been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain, reclaiming the top spot after winning in 2023 and finishing second last year
In second place is Harrogate in Yorkshire and the Humber, and in third place is Cirencester, Gloucestershire, in the South West.
Kirkcaldy is the happiest place in Scotland, and Monmouth tops the list in Wales
Four in five (81%) people across Great Britain rate themselves as happy with where they live, compared with 9% who say they are unhappy
On average, residents in the South West are the happiest, and those in Greater London are the least happy overall, despite Richmond taking the top spot
Here are the 10 happiest places to live in Great Britain for 2026:
I lived in the Richmond -Upon-Thames Borough for over 35 years, only recently moving down the road (or Thames!) to Walton-On-Thames.
I would absolutely agree; the schools, green space, and sense of community are outstanding. Not to mention the stunning architecture!
I would love to hear more about where you live and how you would rate it amongst the top 10!
If you would like assistance with the sale of your home, or advice on the property market, do contact me.