Property Market Round-Up 2025

The UK property market in 2025 proved to be far more active than many expected. While house price growth remained relatively modest, transaction levels rose to their strongest point in three years, signalling renewed confidence among buyers and sellers alike.

After several years of uncertainty driven by interest rate rises and cost-of-living pressures, 2025 became a year where people felt more comfortable making life changes again. Stability, rather than rapid growth, was the defining theme and this steadiness encouraged households to move when the time felt right, rather than waiting for perfect market conditions.

Despite house prices increasing only marginally at a national level, overall sales volumes were the highest seen since 2022. This was driven largely by improved mortgage availability, wage growth catching up with inflation, and a greater supply of homes coming to market. For movers, this meant fewer bidding wars, more realistic pricing and a smoother transaction process in many areas.

In areas like Yorkshire and Sheffield, the market remained particularly robust. These areas continued to offer better value for money compared with the South East, making them attractive not only to local movers but also to buyers relocating from more expensive parts of the country.

The North of England

Across Yorkshire and Sheffield, affordability remained a key advantage throughout 2 025. Sheffield in particular saw continued interest thanks to its strong employment base, improving infrastructure and access to green space. Many moves within the region were relatively short, often within the same city or neighbouring towns, reflecting a broader national trend towards staying closer to established communities, schools and workplaces.

Scotland

The Scottish property market in 2025 followed a similar pattern of steady confidence and solid transaction levels. While price growth was restrained, demand remained consistent across cities and towns, with buyers encouraged by clearer pricing and less volatility than seen in previous years.

Much of the movement within Scotland involved people relocating within the same region rather than moving long distances. This reflected changing lifestyle priorities, including proximity to family, flexible working arrangements and the desire to reduce commuting time.

The South East

The South East continued to feel the effects of affordability pressures in 2025, with house prices largely flat across many areas. However, this did not result in a slowdown in activity. Instead, buyers adjusted their expectations, often opting for smaller homes, different locations or lateral moves rather than dramatic upgrades.

Interestingly, while fewer people left the South East entirely, many moves took place within the region itself. Buyers were willing to relocate a short distance to find better value, improved space or a more suitable lifestyle.

London Leavers Staying Closer to Home

One of the most notable trends of 2025 was the change in behaviour among London movers. While London outmigration continued, those leaving the capital increasingly chose destinations closer to home. Instead of relocating hundreds of miles away, many opted for areas within the South East and surrounding commuter belt. This shift benefited counties such as Kent, Surrey and Sussex, where buyers could still access London while gaining more space.

As we look ahead to 2026, we look forward to continuing to support our customers with home moves and workspace relocations. To book your free removals survey, get in touch with us today.