Property Market Updates: Q1

National view

The UK property market is stepping into spring with renewed energy, as average asking prices rose by 1.1% (+£3,876) to £371,870 this month, according to Rightmove’s latest House Price Index. This seasonal uplift is in line with typical March trends and suggests that sellers are pricing sensibly in a competitive market; in fact, the market is the most competitive we’ve seen in over a decade.

Buyer demand is also gaining traction. While the current wave of spring movers won’t have beaten this month’s stamp duty deadline, they will benefit from the highest number of available properties for sale at this time of year since 2015. The number of sales agreed is now 9% higher than this time last year, reflecting growing confidence among buyers even in the face of global uncertainties.

On the supply side, the market is equally strong, with new seller listings up 8% year-on-year. Regarding annual capital growth, Zoopla reports that semi-detached homes are leading the way, rising 2.6% (or £6,820) to an average of £274,100.

All of this comes together to point to a resilient and active market as we transition into summer, which should be encouraging news for both those looking to sell and those planning their next move. 

Midlands

The Midlands property market has shown encouraging signs of stability into spring, with activity levels picking up pace across both the East and West. Our expansion into Nottingham has further strengthened our footprint in the region, positioning the Midlands as a strategic hub for ongoing growth. Following a more subdued 2024, sentiment has improved significantly, fuelling renewed confidence among buyers, sellers , and investors alike.

In the West Midlands, Rightmove reports that average property prices have risen by 0.8% month-on-month, matching the same rate of annual growth. The average asking price now stands at £291,171, with properties taking an average of 69 days to find a buyer. In contrast, the East Midlands is more levelled with a 0.4% monthly increase offset by a slight year-on-year decline of 0.2%. The average property here is now priced at £286,548, with a longer time to secure a buyer at around 75 days.

Auctions are gaining popularity, with sellers seeking speed and certainty. At the same time, professional landlords remain active in the market, especially in areas like Nottingham, where strong rental yields continue to attract interest despite upcoming compliance changes.

First-time buyers were eager to complete purchases ahead of April’s Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) adjustments, meanwhile, family movers are increasingly looking to more rural or lifestyle-driven locations for their next homes. Overall, the market is markedly more stable than in the past two years, and with the last three months in mind, we believe 2025 is set to be a prosperous year for sellers and the property market.

Ready to make your move? Speak to our expert team to get started today.