Impact of School Quality on House Prices in London and Bristol: Shifts in Urban Housing Dynamics During the COVID-19

Abstract

This study examines the impact of school quality on house prices in London and Bristol before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using cross-sectional data, the analysis highlights the relationship between proximity to high-quality state schools and residential property values, revealing shifts in buyer priorities influenced by pandemic-related factors such as urban exodus and changing educational dynamics. The findings demonstrate that while primary school quality positively correlates with house prices, the strength of this relationship has weakened during the pandemic as buyers increasingly prioritize property-specific characteristics. In contrast, secondary school quality shows varied effects across large and small cities, reflecting differences in school admission criteria and urban characteristics. The persistence of a house price premium near good primary schools suggests ongoing educational inequalities, as access to high-quality education remains limited to wealthier families. These results underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to address the entrenched disparities in educational opportunities and housing affordability in post-pandemic England.