Is the UK Property Market a Pot of Gold? What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know This Spring

As St. Patrick’s Day arrives, many will be searching for a touch of luck, but in the UK property market, success is more about timing and strategy than four-leaf clovers. The start of 2025 has seen a property landscape that, for the well-informed, might just be a pot of gold. National trends, mortgage stability, and local insights for areas such as Orpington and Sevenoaks indicate opportunities for both buyers and sellers looking to make their move this spring.

Rightmove recently reported that average asking prices have risen by 1.1% in March, reaching £371,870. This increase is driven by the highest number of new sellers since 2015, which has led to intensified competition among homeowners hoping to attract buyers. The Guardian highlighted that the UK is seeing a buyer’s market emerge, with a record number of properties now available for sale. Sellers are pricing more competitively, creating opportunities for those seeking to purchase a home at a good price.

Locally, Orpington and Sevenoaks provide interesting insights into these national trends. Over the last 12 months, the average sales price in BR6 postcode areas was £547,044, with a total transaction value of £305,744,500. This demonstrates the ongoing demand for homes in this desirable area. Annually, an average of 718 properties are sold in BR6, though fluctuations due to the pandemic and stamp duty changes have impacted recent figures. Notably, 39.5% of sold properties in the last year were valued between £500,000 and £750,000, with another 35.5% falling within the £250,000 to £500,000 range.

Further afield in TN14 7, which Langford Rae Property Agents also cover, the market dynamics reveal a strong trend toward homeownership. This postcode contains 2,037 dwellings, with an average of 70 properties sold per annum. While 2021 and 2022 saw heightened activity, 84% of residents in TN14 7 own their homes, and only 8.8% live in private rented accommodation. This suggests a market where purchasing is the dominant choice, and available rental properties are limited.

Despite fluctuating economic conditions, mortgage rates have shown signs of stability. Five-year fixed mortgage rates now average between 4% and 5%, making financing options more predictable and appealing for prospective buyers. Lloyds Banking Group suggests that this stability enhances affordability and restores confidence to those looking to enter or move within the market. Looking ahead, Halifax predicts that house prices could rise by up to 3% in 2025, while Savills has revised its long-term forecast, now expecting a 21.6% increase over the next five years.

For buyers, the current climate offers several advantages. Increased property listings mean more choices, and with sellers under pressure to price realistically, there is room for negotiation. First-time buyers, in particular, may find that this is the right moment to take their first step onto the property ladder. On the other hand, sellers must be strategic in order to stand out. With heightened competition, setting a realistic asking price, presenting a well-maintained property, and being open to negotiation are key factors in securing a sale.

Orpington has experienced a notable uplift in detached property prices, which have surged by 11.81% in the past year to an average of £805,000. This indicates strong demand for larger homes, often favored by families. Conversely, semi-detached home prices have dipped slightly, decreasing by 5.23% to an average of £526,000, reflecting a shift in buyer priorities. Meanwhile, Sevenoaks remains an attractive market with its combination of rural charm and strong transport links. The average house price reached £516,000 in December 2024, a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the rental market in Sevenoaks has seen a sharp rise, with average monthly rents climbing 8.4% to £1,708, underlining its desirability among tenants and buy-to-let investors alike.

While some might say that finding the right home is a matter of luck, the reality is that success in property comes from understanding market trends, acting at the right time, and making informed decisions. This spring, with competitive pricing, increased choice for buyers, and steady mortgage rates, the UK property market presents a wealth of opportunity. Whether buying or selling in Orpington, Sevenoaks, or the surrounding villages, now could be the right moment to make a move and secure a golden opportunity in the property market.  Talk to us today.

Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, Land Registry, MHCLG