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When it comes to cooking, many of us grab a pan, listen for the familiar click of the ignition firing and watch as a blue flame instantly provides heat. In fact, Good Housekeeping says 54% of UK households have a gas hob.

With stable mortgage rates, increased property listings, and competitive pricing, the UK housing market presents golden opportunities this spring. In Orpington, Sevenoaks, and beyond, buyers and sellers can benefit from current trends. Discover why this season could be the perfect time to make a move.

Spic, span and sparkling? No. Some home buyers pass up immaculate, modern properties and willingly head for the shabbiest house in the search results. If you’re on the fence about purchasing a fixer upper, here are four reasons why a wreck could be the right choice.

Rising rents have made homeownership 15% cheaper than renting, thanks to falling mortgage rates. First-time buyers can now secure lower monthly payments, but saving for a deposit remains a key challenge.

Mortgage approvals rose 18% in January, driven by buyers rushing to complete before the April stamp duty threshold change. While this surge may lead to a quieter market post-deadline, demand remains steady. Economic uncertainties persist, but increased valuations signal cautious optimism for a stable property market in the coming months.

It’s almost impossible to talk about the buy-to-let market without talking about mortgages. Figures from money.co.uk estimate around 60% of landlords fund part or all of their property investment activity using a buy-to-let mortgage.

Spring brings a fresh wave of activity to the property market, making February and March the best months to list a home. Two-thirds of homes listed during this period go on to complete a sale, driven by increased buyer demand, improved weather, and seasonal optimism, creating the perfect conditions for a successful transaction.

Just like that, February was over. While it can feel like a quiet month squashed between the New Year rush and the spring peak, February 2025 had a micro-climate all of its own. As well as home movers pushing to complete before the stamp duty deadline on 31st March, we were noting the buyers of the future.

First-time buyers are making a strong comeback in 2025, boosting market activity after a challenging period. Improved mortgage affordability and stabilising interest rates have increased confidence, benefiting sellers across all price ranges. With this boost in activity at the first rung of the property market, what does this mean for housing market in general?

When it comes to selling a property, there is a fine line between ‘homely’ and ‘hoarding’. A quick scan of the internet reveals numerous surveys showing what buyers find off putting when searching for a new home. Something that crops up time and time again is clutter, with junk knocking anywhere between 10% and 20% off a home’s value.

Have you ever heard of the 5th wall? Unless you’re an avid fan of interior programmes and design magazines, the phrase may be unfamiliar to you. The 5th wall refers to a room’s ceiling, suggesting it is an extra surface that’s available to decorate.

Finding the right home is much like falling in love – it starts with a spark, requires commitment, and brings long-term joy. On average, UK homeowners stay in their properties for 17.6 years, with mortgage-free owners remaining the longest. Interestingly, even romantic road names impact house prices, with "Kiss" streets seeing a 22% rise. Just as relationships thrive with care, so does a well-loved home. This Valentine’s Day, let Langford Rae Property Agents help you find a property to cherish for years to come.