What’s It Like to Live in Coalville?
Coalville is a market town in north-west Leicestershire with a long industrial heritage linked to the coal mining trade. Although the mines have gone, their legacy remains visible in the local housing stock and town layout. For home buyers, Coalville presents a varied mix of property types, with prices often more affordable than in nearby towns such as Loughborough or Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Surveying older properties here can uncover location-specific issues that are important to consider before purchase.
Coalville Living – Property and Lifestyle Overview
Architectural Features of Properties
Many of Coalville’s homes were built during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods to house colliery workers. Terraced red brick homes are common near the town centre, while later 20th-century estates expand towards Whitwick and Hugglescote.
Historical Buildings and Their Features: The disused Snibston Colliery buildings reflect Coalville’s industrial past. Although not open to the public, these buildings are reminders of the town’s heritage and influence the character of nearby housing. Historic preservation of such sites can limit what changes are allowed in surrounding areas.
Local Stone: While red brick is dominant, properties on the outskirts and older farm conversions may incorporate Charnwood granite. This is a durable local stone but can be difficult to insulate internally and often requires regular repointing.
Survey Findings Specific to Coalville: Damp is occasionally reported in Victorian terraces, especially those close to Hermitage Road and Belvoir Road where older construction methods were used without damp proofing.
Subsidence risks are heightened in parts of town formerly close to mining shafts. Properties in the area south of the town centre towards Hugglescote may be affected. A mining report is advisable.
Some older roofs still use slate tiles, many of which are reaching the end of their lifespan. These may need replacing or regular maintenance to prevent water ingress.
Energy efficiency is often low in older terraces with solid brick walls and single glazing. These properties may require substantial upgrades to meet modern efficiency standards.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Coalville benefits from a range of local amenities that are appealing to families and commuters.
Local Amenities: Newbridge High School has a good local reputation and is often a factor for families choosing to live in the area.
The nearby National Forest area includes several accessible green spaces such as Broomleys and Snibston Country Park, which offer walking and cycling opportunities.
Notable Places: Memorial Square in the town centre is a central point for local events. The Belvoir Shopping Centre provides convenient access to retail and services without the need to travel further afield.
Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks: Coalville is not generally prone to severe flooding, but minor surface water issues have been reported during heavy rainfall near Thringstone Brook and some low-lying roads in Hugglescote.
Radon Risks: Parts of north-west Leicestershire fall within higher radon risk bands. It is recommended to carry out radon testing, particularly in older homes with cellars or basements.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion: Rush hour traffic can build up along Stephenson Way and near the junctions connecting to the A511. These routes are frequently used by commuters travelling towards Leicester or Burton.
Public Transport: Coalville does not have its own railway station. However, bus services provide links to Leicester, Loughborough and Burton. The nearest train stations are in Loughborough and Leicester.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas: While Coalville itself is not designated as a conservation area, nearby Whitwick village includes areas of historical interest, particularly around Church Lane. Properties in these areas may be subject to planning restrictions to protect their character.
Future Projects: Planned developments such as the regeneration of land near Stephenson College aim to bring improved housing and commercial facilities to the area. These projects may affect local road access and infrastructure in the short term.
Safety and Crime Statistics
According to the most recent published data, Coalville has a slightly higher-than-average crime rate compared to the Leicestershire average. Antisocial behaviour and criminal damage are the most commonly reported issues. The areas around the town centre tend to have more incidents than residential zones like Greenhill or Forest Lea.
Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations: A full Building Survey is recommended for properties dating before 1940. This is particularly important in parts of Coalville where mining activity may have impacted ground conditions.
Unique Survey Challenges: Historic properties or those near former industrial zones may require additional reports, including mining risk assessments. Timber-framed elements and older brickwork can sometimes hide issues not obvious at first glance.
Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Most homes are constructed from standard red brick with some properties using Charnwood stone or granite. While these materials are long-lasting, stone properties can suffer from water ingress if not maintained properly. Repointing and breathable coatings may be needed in older homes.
Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Coalville offers more competitive property prices and a broader mix of housing types. While it lacks a railway station, its road links make it a practical location for commuters. Neighbouring villages like Ibstock or Whitwick tend to have more rural settings and may appeal to those seeking a quieter lifestyle, but Coalville remains the main hub for shopping and services.
Coalville Property Market Trends – 2025
Coalville Property Market Trends – 2025
Looking to buy in Coalville? Here’s an accurate overview of the latest prices and key updates from the area.
Average Prices – Coalville (August 2025)
| Property Type |
Average Price |
Most Common |
| Detached |
£331,234 |
Yes |
| Semi-detached |
£224,645 |
No |
| Terraced |
£180,798 |
No |
Source: Rightmove, August 2025
The average sold price in Coalville over the past year was £265,877, which represents a 1% drop compared to the previous year and a 2% drop from the 2022 peak of £271,504. Detached properties remain the most commonly sold, typically fetching over £330,000.
What’s Happening in the Area?
New development sites are being explored on the outskirts of Coalville, particularly along the A511 corridor, with a mix of housing aimed at commuters and families. Recent upgrades to local primary schools and community facilities are supporting population growth in the area.
- Housing Growth: Ongoing construction of family homes and affordable housing near Whitwick and Hugglescote.
- Transport: Road improvements continue near the A511 and M1 access points, helping local traffic flow and connectivity to Leicester.
- Community Infrastructure: Investment in health centres, schools and green space projects is helping to futureproof the town’s growth.
For First-Time Buyers
Terraced and semi-detached homes under £225,000 remain a viable option for first-time buyers in Coalville. Areas around Greenhill and Swannington offer reasonable value, and some properties may qualify for shared ownership or local housing schemes, depending on availability.
In Summary
Coalville offers a wide mix of property types at prices lower than national averages, with scope for future value through regeneration. A pre-purchase home survey is strongly advised, especially for older or ex-local authority homes where condition and previous alterations can vary significantly.
