Market Activity Grows – House Prices Hold Firm

House Prices Hold Firm as Market Activity Builds

The local property market has shown more energy than this time last year. Although buyer demand eased slightly over the summer, it remains 4% higher than in 2024, helping to lift agreed sales by 5%.

House price growth has slowed in recent months but now appears to have settled. Values are currently 1.3% higher year-on-year, lower than the 2.1% growth at the start of 2025, but stronger than the 0.6% seen a year ago.

The steadier pace of growth reflects greater choice for buyers, with 10% more homes on the market than last year, as well as continued affordability pressures, particularly across southern England.

Earnings Rising Faster Than House Prices

Importantly, average earnings, up 4.7%, are still rising faster than house prices. This has been the case for almost three years, gradually improving affordability and supporting steady buyer interest. The result is a market that feels more balanced, with demand holding firm and sales activity remaining healthy.