We’re ending the year on a positive note, with buyer demand soaring 26% higher than the same time last year, as more homes were listed for sale and sellers searched for somewhere new to buy.*
While demand places you in a strong position to sell, it can be challenging to navigate an unbalanced market without guidance. As such, here are our top tips:

Don’t underestimate end-of-year activity

As the year draws to a close, potential sellers often decide to hit the brakes on their moving plans in favour of getting started in the new year. But by doing so, you could be missing out on a sweet spot in the market.
Home buyers have been benefitting from the lowest average mortgage rates for more than a year, which has supported double-digit growth in sales market activity.* Buyers are well-positioned to buy right now, which means you are also well-positioned to sell.

Sensitive pricing

Sensitive pricing remains key for sellers. Pricing your property in line with current market conditions will attract more buyers and keep your property from languishing on the market. With rising buyer demand, setting a competitive price will help you secure more offers and create a sense of urgency among potential buyers.
Collaborating with an experienced agent to determine the best price is essential to achieving the best result, so don’t skip out on an expert valuation from a local agent.

Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to selling. Listing your home during the end-of-year window, when others may be holding off, could give you the competitive edge you need. This is a prime opportunity to get ahead of the usual flood of listings that tend to appear after the Christmas period, which may result in more competition. Taking advantage of the current demand ensures that your property stands out and gets the attention it deserves.

Enlisting an agent

Enlisting an experienced agent is crucial in an ever-shifting market as a professional agent will guide you through the complexities of selling, helping you with everything from setting the right price to navigating negotiations. With our market insights and strategic advice, you'll be able to sell your home quickly and for the best price. Additionally, we can also help you find your next home, making the transition even smoother.

A well-managed property portfolio can provide a sturdy and reliable stream of income and could contribute significantly towards your long-term financial health. So, if you’re ready to add another property to your portfolio, now is the time to do so. As we head into a fresh new year, here are some of the key reasons for investing in property in 2025:

Growth forecasted

If you’re asking yourself: ‘Why should I invest in the UK property market?’ You only need to look at 2025’s outlook for your answer. According to Statista, the rental market is on track for growth of nearly 21% by 2028.*
Since 2021, rental growth has gained substantial momentum, with March 2024 witnessing the highest annual growth in a decade.* This trend reflects the complex dynamics between rising mortgage rates, constrained housing affordability, and a limited supply of rental properties.

Interest rates improving

Interest rates are showing signs of improvement, making the market environment more favourable for landlords and investors. As of October 3, 2024, the Bank of England's base rate stood at 5%, down from 5.25%, which was the highest level seen in 16 years.** This reduction signals a shift that could lower borrowing costs for mortgages and loans in the near term.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), mortgage rates are expected to decline gradually over the next few years, averaging at 5.86% in 2025, and 5.49% by 2026. This downward trend could reduce financing costs for investors, enhancing the profitability of property purchases.***

Supply shortages

Despite recent improvements, the rental property market continues to face supply shortages. Although the number of available rental homes has increased by 18% compared to last year, there are still 24% fewer properties available than before the pandemic.**
This persistent shortage leaves renters with fewer options and heightened competition for available homes. For property investors, this represents a prime opportunity. If you have a solid understanding of the market and experience in property investment, now is an excellent time to expand your portfolio, not only to capitalise on strong demand but also to help address the ongoing supply challenges.

High demand

Demand for rental properties is expected to remain strong throughout 2025, driven by a combination of factors. While supply shortages are a significant contributor, the lack of affordable housing for potential buyers is also a major influence. The consistent upward trajectory in house prices will make homeownership less attainable for many, further increasing the demand for rental accommodations. As a result, property investors may expect sustained demand and potentially higher rental yields in the coming years.*

Taking the decision to sell your home is a big step. Lowering inflation has led to lower interest rates and this is encouraging many people to get on the move. If you were too busy enjoying the holidays to put your home on the market in time for the Boxing Day Boom, don’t worry. Here are 5 reasons why you should put your property up for sale after Christmas.

What is the Boxing Day Boom?

According to Rightmove, more than 10,000* homes came to the market on Boxing Day last year. In essence, the Boxing Day Boom is a bit like the Boxing Day sales, without the reduction in prices. This is appealing if you are thinking of selling, as many buyers go online to take a peek. But the good news is that this also kicks off the market nice and early.

The market is in a good spot

Numerous factors have contributed to the market steadily strengthening as the year has progressed. More competitive interest rates and a 27%* increase in the number of sales agreed, towards the close of the year places you in a good spot if you are thinking of selling. This should help you to achieve a smoother sale, helping you to discover your next home as the market goes from strength to strength.

Make an early start

Time goes by quickly, so getting an early start as one year ends and another begins can be a shrewd move. There are so many ways to get the ball rolling. You can book a valuation, list your property, and discuss a strategy with your local property experts. Many indicators suggest that next year is going to build on last year, so being decisive now can save you time in the future.

A January clear-out

After the holidays, chances are you will be having a bit of a clear-out and a tidy up. This is your chance to have a spring clean and carry out a bit of decluttering. During this process, you might feel the need to organise your paperwork and make trips to the recycling depot. This makes life much easier when it’s time to move, saving you precious hours and your potential stress levels.

Find the home you love

It can take time to find the right property for you and your loved ones. Whether you are investing in the buy-to-let market or searching for your forever home. You will feel happy when you have found it. However, occasionally, your ideal property may surprise you with an unexpected appearance. This can occur in your inbox, as you browse or during a property match. So, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your agent about your property requirements.

For property investors, strategy is key and usually starts with contemplation. Examining the year behind us can help you to develop your future plans. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or a potential investor, here are some of the key takeaways from 2024:

Rental growth

In the 12 months to August 2024, average rents increased by 8.4% in the UK, marking a period of steady growth for the market.* This upward trend reflects a surge in tenant demand. With a growing population and ongoing challenges in homeownership affordability, more individuals are opting to rent, intensifying competition for available rental properties. The strong rental growth may continue as supply remains constrained in many regions, making this a key trend for both tenants and landlords alike.

Interest rates

On October 3rd, 2024, the Bank of England's base rate fell to 5%. This was a highly-anticipated decrease from the previous rate of 5.25%, which was the highest level in 16 years.**
The base rate is crucial as it influences the borrowing costs for banks and lenders, which then impacts interest rates on a wide range of financial products, including mortgages, loans, and personal credit.
Homebuyers and property investors are particularly sensitive to these changes, as mortgage rates typically move in line with base rate adjustments. With the base rate falling rather than rising, securing a mortgage has become more attainable this year.

Renters’ Rights Bill

Following the Conservative government’s decision to shelve the Renters' Reform Bill, which had proposed extensive changes to the rental market, the Labour Party has committed to introducing new legislation through the Renters' Rights Bill.
This reform is aimed at rebalancing the power dynamic between tenants and landlords, ensuring that renters have more stability in their living arrangements, while landlords have clearer legal frameworks to follow. As housing policies continue to evolve, both tenants and landlords will need to stay informed on how these legislative changes may impact the rental landscape.

Landlords needed

Despite gradual improvements in the overall supply of rental properties, the market remains strained. The number of available rental homes is still 20% below pre-pandemic levels***, creating a significant supply gap. This shortfall offers a prime opportunity for potential investors, as high demand combined with limited supply is likely to sustain rental price increases in many regions.
For new landlords or those looking to expand their portfolios, entering the market at this pivotal time could prove beneficial. With fewer homes available, renters face intense competition for properties, particularly in urban areas and regions experiencing population growth. This dynamic makes the rental sector an attractive option for investors seeking strong returns.