Residential Property Review – June 2025
May marked the busiest UK housing month since March 2022, signalling renewed momentum. Prime Central London softened amid tax changes, while outer markets stayed resilient. A £39bn pledge for affordable housing could significantly boost supply, though delivery challenges remain.
Residential Property Review – June 2025
May marked the busiest UK housing month since March 2022, signalling renewed momentum. Prime Central London softened amid tax changes, while outer markets stayed resilient. A £39bn pledge for affordable housing could significantly boost supply, though delivery challenges remain.
Why life insurance matters
Many UK workers, especially non-salaried employees, lack life insurance, with only 50% of salaried and 33% of non-salaried workers covered. Despite concerns over cost, policies can start as low as a few pounds a month, providing affordable protection and peace of mind for families.
Flooding puts 6.3 million homes at risk
One in four properties in England are at risk of flooding, with 4.6 million homes vulnerable to surface water flooding. Climate change is expected to worsen the situation, potentially putting 8 million homes at risk by 2050. It’s essential to take steps now to protect your property, including reviewing your home insurance coverage.
Residential Property Review – May 2025
UK house prices are forecast to rise by 3.5% in 2025 as rate cuts support demand. March sales surged ahead of Stamp Duty changes. Meanwhile, buy-to-let investors increasingly favour the north, drawn by lower costs and stronger rental yields.
Residential Property Market Review
Recent data reveals that 64% of homeowners underestimate their property’s value, highlighting a gap in market awareness. Meanwhile, demand in prime London neighbourhoods dipped nearly 4% in Q1 2025, reflecting a softer start to the year. Net mortgage lending also declined to £3.3bn in February, down £0.9bn from January, indicating a cautious lending environment amid shifting market conditions.
Spring tips for UK homebuyers
Spring brings more listings and competitive pricing, with 70% of homes listed in February and March completing quickly. Buyers benefit from stable mortgage rates (4.75%) and a wider selection of homes, averaging 51 days to sell. Early preparation, including securing a mortgage agreement, is essential. Researching local prices ensures informed decisions in a competitive market.
Could ‘right-sizing’ help the housing market?
Many UK homes have unused bedrooms, limiting availability for first-time buyers. ‘Right-sizing’—moving to a more suitable property—could help address housing shortages by freeing up larger homes. However, emotional attachment and moving stress are key barriers to this.
A reminder of recent property tax changes
Autumn Budget announcements included an increased surcharge on second homes (5%), adjusted Stamp Duty for first-time buyers, and increased Capital Gains Tax rates for investors. Additionally, £500m was allocated for affordable housing and supporting small housebuilders.
In the news – Home Finance
UK homeowners saw average property value gains of £80,000 in 20 years. Storm damage affected 20% of homes from 2020-2024, highlighting the need for insurance. Equity release grew in 2024, with £615m withdrawn by homeowners over 50 in Q3.