Boxing Day sales hit the Property Market!

December House Price Index

It is to be expected that Boxing Day 2025 will see an influx of properties coming to the market, following the reassurance from the budget. During the run up to the budget – we acknowledged and anticipated that many buyers were hesitant to even view properties, due to uncertainty and rumours of property tax rises.

We know this by looking at the statistics:

• The number of new sellers entering the market in the first half of 2025 was 9% higher than in the same period of 2024. The second half of 2025 saw a 4% decline from that of 2024.
• Buyer demand followed a similar suit, running 3% ahead of 2024 in the first half, but dropping to 6% behind in the second.
• Despite this slowdown, the overall market activity has been more positive, with the number of sales agreed still 3% higher than in 2024.

As 2025 ends, we reflect on the overall market:

• House prices are 0.6% lower at the end of this year, in comparison to 2024.
• This improved, buyer affordability and plenty of choice for buyers suggests a more buoyant market for 2026.
• Rightmove predicts that new seller asking prices will increase by 2% (Rightmove, 2025).
• Allied to our belief that the sales market will be buoyant come the start of 2026 good news from The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They regulate the mortgage market and within the last week set out plans to help build a mortgage market of the future.
• Within the new proposals both first-time buyers and the self-employed could get a step-up onto the housing ladder.
• The FCA will focus on several areas but perhaps the most important relates to first-time buyers & underserved consumers and works towards simplifying mortgage rules which will in turn allow more flexible products that reflect different working patterns and income levels at different stages of life.
• Interest rates have come down to 3.75% from 4%, which is the lowest it has been in 3 years!
• This statistic indicates a crucial time for both buyers and sellers.
• The average two-year fixed rate is now 4.33% compared to 5.08% in 2024. With house prices cheaper now, in comparison to last year, the average wage rising and a relaxing of lending criteria, it is predicted an activity rebound to kickstart 2026.

National average asking price by market sector:

According to Rightmove, these are the statistics for the North West: