AAh the North/South divide ...
I was born in Preston, grew up there, worked at BAe and then left to work in Germany and then returned to the UK in the late 80s here in Bracknell.
Here's a property directly opposite to where I lived with my parents in Preston - I even knew the family that lived there at the time- good friends with their son ...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/133141844#/?channel=RES_BUY
Now compare that to a property very close to where I live today ...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/135514613#/?channel=RES_BUY
Now that is the North/south divide ! A cramped probably ex Council house vs a very nice extended solid traditional house.
I'm retired with good pension incomes so I can stay put where I am. But honestly the North/South divide can be a chasm ! Bracknell has an oversupply of flats and houses being built right now with more to come. I fear folks will still stretch themselves silly and make developers even richer.
Rant Over!