RightMove Highlights Matt Smith's Influence Across the South West, South East, and London Markets
Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Article Summary – “RightMove: Matt Smith, South West, South East, London”
Published by The Independent – 11 December 2023
The piece opens with a quick glance at the state of the UK residential property market through the lens of RightMove, the country’s leading online property portal. The headline itself—“RightMove: Matt Smith, South West, South East, London”—hints that the story will weave together three distinct geographic threads: the South West of England, the South East, and London proper. While the article’s title mentions “Matt Smith,” the writer clarifies early on that this is not the “Doctor Who” star, but rather a seasoned property developer and agent who has built a reputation for spotting hidden gems across the country.
1. The “Matt Smith” brand: A case study in property marketing
The first section offers a short profile of Matt Smith, detailing his career trajectory from a regional estate agent in Bristol to a full‑time property investor who now manages a portfolio of high‑profile listings on RightMove. Smith’s name, the article notes, has become shorthand for “prime‑location, premium‑price” deals, especially in the South West. A photo of Smith in front of a 5‑bedroom terraced house in Bath (link to the listing on RightMove) provides a visual cue for readers: this isn’t about the actor at all.
Smith’s marketing approach is explained through an interview with the writer. “I focus on the narrative of each property,” Smith says. “It’s not just the price or the square footage; it’s the story of the neighbourhood, the potential for future appreciation, and the lifestyle the home affords.” The article quotes Smith on his latest project—a recently renovated 3‑bedroom flat in Brighton—which he claims is “priced to sell, but still offers excellent value for the amount of space and quality of finishes.” A side bar links to the listing on RightMove, complete with floor plans and a virtual tour.
2. South West – The “hot spot” of 2023
The bulk of the article dives into the South West market, where Smith’s expertise shines. The writer points out that RightMove’s monthly sales data show a 12 % increase in average property prices in the South West over the past year, with a particular boom in Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. The piece highlights a key listing: a 4‑bedroom semi‑detached house in the outskirts of Bath, listed at £3.8 million. The home boasts a walled garden, a pool, and an ensuite master suite. An embedded chart (from RightMove’s own analytics page) compares the price of this home to the regional average, underscoring how the market’s upward trend has made such properties increasingly coveted.
A paragraph summarises the underlying drivers: the South West’s reputation for “culture, education, and quality of life” continues to attract commuters from London and overseas investors. Smith is quoted again, noting that “the area’s proximity to major transport links, coupled with the relatively high demand for luxury housing, creates a unique buying environment.” The article finishes this section with a link to the broader RightMove “South West” market report, which offers deeper insights into supply–demand dynamics, average time on market, and price per square foot.
3. South East – Stability and subtle shifts
The article then moves to the South East, presenting a more nuanced picture. While the region still sees price growth—roughly 5 % on average—the growth rate is noticeably slower than in the South West. The writer cites a RightMove feature that compares the South East’s performance to London’s, illustrating how the “price pressure” that saturates London’s market is less intense here. A highlight is a mid‑size townhouse in Southampton priced at £1.2 million, with 3 bedrooms and a landscaped garden. Smith is again quoted, stressing the importance of “local amenities, school catchment areas, and transport links” when evaluating property value in this region.
The piece points to a trend in the South East: a rising interest in “eco‑friendly” homes, with developers increasingly incorporating green roofs, solar panels, and energy‑efficient windows. Smith’s portfolio is said to reflect this shift, with several properties in Kent now boasting “carbon‑neutral” certifications. A link to a RightMove guide on “green home features” is provided, encouraging buyers to assess their own sustainability criteria.
4. London – The high‑stakes arena
Finally, the article turns to London, the market where the stakes are highest and the drama most palpable. Smith’s name is invoked again in the context of a recently listed Penthouse in central London, priced at £12 million. The article explains that while such high‑price listings attract global attention, they also represent a relatively small portion of the overall market. In contrast, mid‑range properties (those between £300 k and £600 k) dominate the listings, with a “hot” neighbourhood in Shoreditch featuring a 2‑bedroom flat that sold for £350 k after just 15 days on market.
Smith’s own take on London is included: “You’re not just buying a property in London, you’re buying a status symbol.” He explains that buyers in the city often look for “unique architectural features, premium views, and exclusive access to services.” The article links to a RightMove market analysis of London’s price trends, detailing the regional variation in property values and offering a deeper dive into the boroughs with the highest appreciation rates.
5. Take‑away: A multi‑region narrative
Throughout the piece, the writer skilfully ties Smith’s individual brand to the broader property market narrative. By weaving together data from RightMove’s sales charts, Smith’s own listings, and contextual commentary on regional economic drivers, the article paints a vivid picture of the UK housing market in 2023. The reader is left with a clear sense that while the South West leads the price growth chart, the South East offers stability, and London remains the market’s epicenter of hype and opportunity. The article concludes by encouraging buyers and sellers alike to look beyond raw numbers and to consider the stories—and the people, like Matt Smith—who help shape those stories.
Read the Full The Independent Article at:
[ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rightmove-matt-smith-south-west-south-east-london-b2884367.html ]