The Changing Landscape of the Property Market

As we move through Q3, 2025, the UK property market is experiencing a considerable shift. With listings up by 14% and buyer activity increasing by 6%, there’s a noticeable balancing act between supply and demand. More homes are coming onto the market, providing buyers with greater choice, while steady buyer interest ensures that the market remains competitive. But how does this new dynamic affect property prices?

Surge in Listings: More Options for Buyers

Over the past few months, the number of new listings has surged by 14%, offering more variety for potential buyers. This influx of properties is largely attributed to homeowners capitalising on the more competitive market conditions, with many deciding that now is the time to sell.

What it means for buyers:

• The surge in listings means greater choice. Buyers who may have felt limited by the number of available properties in previous months are now seeing a wider range of options.
• From starter homes to family properties and even investment opportunities, the increased supply can help buyers find the right property that fits their needs and budget.
• While more listings bring more opportunities, it’s important for buyers to remain thoughtful. The increased choice doesn’t necessarily mean prices are dropping; rather, it means there is more room to negotiate, particularly in areas where supply is outpacing demand.

Steady Buyer Demand: A Market That Still Moves

While listings are up, buyer activity has remained strong, increasing by 6%. This consistent demand indicates that the market is still healthy, with buyers motivated to purchase despite the higher interest rates compared to previous years.

What it means for sellers:

• For sellers, the increase in buyer activity is a positive sign. Even though more homes are available, buyer demand is still steady, which means the competition among buyers is still present.
• Properties that are well-presented, priced correctly, and located in sought-after areas will continue to receive attention. Sellers who meet the market with an attractive listing, whether through competitive pricing or highlighting unique property features, can expect solid interest.
• Increased buyer activity could lead to some homes selling faster than anticipated, especially in areas with high demand and low availability. This is why the surge in listings does not immediately suggest a decline in prices; rather, it’s a sign of a market that’s adjusting with more opportunities for buyers while still catering to the competitive nature of the property market.

The Price Impact: Stable with Room for Negotiation

• Given the surge in listings and steady demand, prices are expected to remain relatively stable, with a slight adjustment in some areas.
• The increased supply means buyers have more choices, which could lead to a more negotiable market where they can secure better deals, particularly for properties that have been on the market longer.
• However, prices in high-demand areas or for homes in prime condition are still likely to hold steady or even increase slightly due to the ongoing buyer interest. Sellers who price their properties right and present them well will likely see strong offers.

Balancing Supply and Demand

The market is currently in a balanced position. Increased listings are meeting the steady flow of buyer interest, keeping things in equilibrium. As we head into the latter part of the year, the key will be maintaining this balance: too many listings without enough buyers could pressure prices down, while too few listings could drive prices up, benefiting sellers.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Do

For buyers:

• With more properties available, take your time to research the areas and properties you’re interested in.
• Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t rush into a decision. This is a great time to find a property that meets your long-term needs.
• Make sure you have your financing in place to act quickly if you find the right home.

For sellers:

• While there’s more competition, the market is still active. To stand out, ensure your property is priced appropriately and presented well.
• The right marketing and professional staging can make a significant difference in attracting buyers, even in a crowded market.

Conclusion

The 14% increase in listings combined with the 6% rise in buyer activity shows a property market that’s growing more balanced. More listings give buyers more options, while steady buyer demand keeps sellers confident. The balancing act between supply and demand will likely keep property prices stable for the foreseeable future, with opportunities for both buyers and sellers to make the most of a healthy, competitive market.

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Labour’s Bold Housing Pledge Faces Skills Shortage

Labour's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, roughly 300,000 per year, now faces a formidable obstacle: a critical shortage of skilled construction workers. It’s a challenge that could reshape the entire UK housing landscape.

1. Hiring Crisis on the Ground

According to a recent report, 76% of construction firms are struggling to recruit the skilled tradespeople they need, with 84% warning of a “critical skills shortage” across the sector. Without a surge in recruitment and training, the homes target looks increasingly distant.

2. The Numbers Behind the Risk

• The Construction Industry Training Board estimates the sector needs to hire 239,300 additional workers by 2029 just to meet housing demand.
• However, doubts run deep: 54% of employers now question whether the current workforce can deliver both the housing and net-zero housing goals.

3. What’s Holding Recruitment Back?

• Business costs rising, cited by 46% of employers.
• A lack of interest among younger people, making traditional trades seem less attractive (27%).
• Local labour shortages (41%), demand for job-ready hires (36%), and the industry’s limited appeal (31%).
• Stricter immigration rules, including higher charges and longer settlement periods, hamper recruitment of skilled workers from abroad (28%).

4. Sector-Wide Impact

• Housebuilding is already stalling – July 2025 saw the steepest drop in construction activity since the early COVID‑19 lockdown, largely driven by residential delays.
• Labour’s current output falls short – just 186,600 net additional homes delivered in its first year, against a target of 300,000.
• Achieving both the housing and net-zero goals may require a radical rethink of training models, incentives for new entrants, and potentially easing immigration constraints.

Why it Matters to Buyers

• Delayed completions could significantly slow your move-in timeline.
• Rising labour costs may push up pricing across the board.
• An over-stretched market could lead to quality compromises in new builds.

What’s Being Done (and What Could Help Next)

• Boosting apprenticeship take-up and flexibility – reform of the apprenticeship levy to make training more accessible.
• Investing in skills pipelines – new “homebuilding skills hubs” and funding for apprenticeships are being piloted.
• Tech solutions emerging – robotic bricklaying trials are underway, offering scalable alternatives for labour shortages.
• Planning and funding reforms – Labour has pledged £39 billion toward social housing and planning reforms that could unlock efficiency gains.

The skills squeeze in construction is arguably the most significant barrier to delivering Labour's housing ambitions. For homebuyers, that means moving more cautiously, budgeting for premiums, and staying attuned to progress in training reform and build pipelines.

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