Market remains resilient, but not strong enough to drive usual Autumn bounce
The average price of property coming to the market for sale rises by 0.3% (+£1,165) this month to £371,422. This is below the ten-year average October bounce of +1.1%, as the decade-high level of property for sale limits seller pricing power
The month of September saw a softening of activity year-on-year compared with a strong September 2024, which was boosted by the first Bank Rate cut for four years. In addition, some movers started to take action to avoid April 2025’s stamp duty increase. However, the 2025 market remains resilient, though somewhat cautious, when looking at the year to date:
The number of new buyers contacting estate agents about homes for sale, and the number of new sellers coming to market in the full month of September were both down by 5% compared to a year ago However, looking at 2025 year to date, new buyer demand is up by 2% compared to the same period in 2024, while the number of new sellers coming to market is up by 5%
The number of sales being agreed in the year to date is also up by 5% compared to the same period in 2024
The annual price dip continues, with falls in London and the south of England dragging down the overall national average to - 0.1%. However, Scotland, Wales and the rest of England have all seen annual asking price rises of at least 1%:
Southern England is being particularly affected by a combination of increased stamp duty, high buyer choice, reduced appeal to some international buyers, and some ongoing jitters about the forthcoming Budget
I Am The Agent strongly supports new policy proposals which would increase mobility, and improve the buying and selling process
Price & activity trends
Regional trends
Affordability trends
October Property Market Overview: A Cautious Autumn for Sellers and Buyers
At I Am The Agent, we’re keeping a close eye on the latest property trends, and this October's market update offers a mixed picture. While there’s a small seasonal uplift, activity remains cautious and highly price-sensitive.
Asking Prices See Modest Autumn Rise
New seller asking prices have edged up by just 0.3 percent this month, an average increase of one thousand one hundred and sixty five pounds, bringing the national average to three hundred and seventy one thousand four hundred and twenty two pounds. October typically sees a bounce in activity and asking prices after the quieter summer period, but this month’s rise falls well short of the ten-year October average of 1.1 percent.
The muted increase suggests that a high volume of available property on the market is limiting sellers’ ability to price ambitiously. Buyers are being cautious and selective, and the days of inflated asking prices are firmly behind us in most areas.
Slower September, But 2025 Still Resilient Overall
Market movement throughout September dipped slightly compared to the same time last year. In 2024, the August Bank Rate cut spurred an increase in buyer demand, especially from those looking to move before the stamp duty changes introduced in April 2025. That created a stronger-than-usual Autumn market in 2024, making this year’s figures look a little softer by comparison.
This September, both new buyer enquiries and new listings were down by 5 percent year on year, while sales agreed dropped by 2 percent. However, looking at 2025 overall, the market has shown surprising resilience. New buyer demand is up 2 percent year to date, and both new listings and agreed sales are 5 percent higher than in the first nine months of last year.
Why Pricing Right from Day One Matters More Than Ever
In today’s market, pricing a property correctly from the outset is essential. Our data shows that homes which receive an enquiry on the first day of marketing are 22 percent more likely to find a buyer than those that wait over two weeks for their first contact. First impressions count, and with buyers being more selective, an overpriced home is likely to be overlooked.
Annual Price Changes Reflect North-South Divide
Over the past twelve months, average asking prices across the UK have fallen slightly by 0.1 percent. However, this national average hides a clear divide. Prices in London and the South of England have fallen year on year, with London down by 1.4 percent. In contrast, all other regions have seen price increases of at least 1 percent, highlighting the growing gap between the subdued South and the more robust North.
The April 2025 stamp duty changes continue to weigh on the South, where properties are typically more expensive and buyers face higher upfront costs. These areas have also seen a bigger increase in the number of available homes, which gives buyers more choice and puts downward pressure on asking prices.
By contrast, more affordable areas such as the Midlands, North of England, Scotland and Wales have been less affected by the stamp duty changes and are seeing stronger buyer demand.
Looking Ahead: Budget Speculation and Industry Reforms
There are wider conversations happening that could impact the property sector in the months ahead. With speculation building around the forthcoming Budget, there is some hesitation among buyers and sellers. In recent weeks, both the Government and the Conservative Party have discussed potential reforms to the buying and selling process.
At I Am The Agent, we support any measures that improve the experience for buyers and sellers, increase transparency, and reduce costs. Whether it’s modernising how transactions are handled or improving communication throughout the process, these changes are welcome if they make moving home easier.
Final Thoughts
While this Autumn hasn’t delivered the bounce some were hoping for, the property market in 2025 remains active and broadly stable. Sellers who price realistically and respond to market conditions are still finding serious buyers. As always, we recommend acting quickly on enquiries and setting your price with care.
If you’re considering selling or letting your property, our fixed-fee, online estate agency model gives you all the tools you need to succeed in today’s market — with transparent pricing and no unnecessary extras.
Get in touch with the I Am The Agent team today at info@iamtheagent.com to find out how we can help you.