A Director’s View Of The Property Market in October 2025

As someone who has spent my whole career around property, I’ve learned one thing: the market never sits still. Whether you’re selling, buying, or letting, change is the only constant.

Right now, 2025 feels like a market of balance rather than extremes. After the turbulence of the last few years — the pandemic boom, rising interest rates, and cost-of-living pressures — prices have steadied. Sellers and buyers are beginning to meet in the middle again, which is refreshing to see after such volatility.

As we analyse the UK Housing Market Autumn, it’s clear that opportunities are emerging for both buyers and sellers.

The UK Housing Market Autumn is shaping up to be a pivotal season for buyers and sellers alike, and it’s essential to understand the UK Housing Market Autumn dynamics.

Where the Market Stands Today

Understanding the UK Housing Market Autumn Trends

Here’s a snapshot of where things stand:

UK average house prices rose 3.7% in the year to June 2025 (HM Land Registry)
Zoopla’s index shows a smaller 1.3% rise year-on-year, reflecting slower growth in some regions
London’s market is much flatter, up just 0.7% in the year to July 2025 — a stark contrast to the capital’s usual performance
The South West has held up better, with solid buyer demand for homes near the coast or countryside, particularly across our Devon and Cornwall markets

What’s driving this stabilisation? The Bank of England base rate, which peaked at 5.25% in 2023, has gradually fallen to 4.75% as of December 2025. This has brought mortgage rates down from their highs, with average two-year fixed rates now around 5.48% — still elevated compared to the ultra-low rates of 2020-2021, but significantly better than the 6%+ we saw at the peak.

This improvement in affordability, combined with growing wage growth and stabilising inflation, has given buyers more confidence to re-enter the market. First-time buyer activity is particularly strong, with this group now representing nearly 40% of all purchases — their highest share in years.

Key Insights for Sellers

If you’re thinking about selling in 2025 or early 2026, here’s what you need to know:

Understanding the nuances of the UK Housing Market Autumn can help sellers position their properties effectively.

1. Realistic Pricing is Essential

Buyers won’t chase over-inflated listings anymore. The days of gazumping and bidding wars are largely behind us outside of very specific hotspots. Today’s buyers are better informed, more cautious, and have more choice than they did during the pandemic frenzy.

Our advice: Book a free, no-obligation valuation with our RICS-qualified team. We’ll provide honest, data-driven guidance based on genuine recent sales in your area — not optimistic figures designed to win your business. Properties priced correctly from day one are attracting serious buyers and achieving sales within 8-12 weeks on average.

In the context of the UK Housing Market Autumn, staging is critical for attracting potential buyers.

2. Presentation Matters More Than Ever

A well-presented home is still attracting plenty of viewings. Staging, fresh décor, and professional photos make a big difference in a market where buyers have choices.

Consider these proven tactics:

Declutter ruthlessly — buyers need to envision their own lives in the space
Invest in professional photography — 95% of buyers start their search online, and first impressions count
Address obvious repairs — small fixes prevent buyers from inflating costs in their minds
Enhance kerb appeal — a tidy front garden and clean entrance make viewing appointments start positively
Create a welcoming atmosphere — good lighting, neutral scents, and comfortable room temperatures matter

Our marketing approach combines professional photography, detailed floor plans, virtual tours where appropriate, and strategic multi-platform promotion to ensure your property reaches motivated buyers.

3. Buyers are Value-Conscious but Motivated

Don’t mistake caution for lack of interest. Buyers are value-conscious, but they’re also motivated. Correctly priced homes are still moving quickly — we’re seeing properties that tick all the boxes (location, condition, price) receive offers within days of listing.

What buyers want in 2025:

- Energy efficiency — EPC ratings matter more than ever with higher energy costs
- Outdoor space — the pandemic permanently shifted preferences toward gardens and balconies
- Home office potential — with hybrid working normalised, a spare bedroom or study adds significant value

In 2025, the UK Housing Market Autumn trends highlight a shift in buyer preferences towards energy-efficient homes.

Low maintenance — younger buyers especially prefer move-in ready over renovation projects
Good transport links — proximity to stations and major routes remains crucial

Check recently sold properties in your area to see what’s actually achieving sales.

Essential Advice for Landlords

The rental market tells a different story — demand continues to significantly outstrip supply across most regions.

1. Rental Demand Remains Strong

Rental demand remains strong, particularly in areas with limited supply. In our Plymouth, Exeter, and Bristol markets, quality rental properties are being snapped up within days of listing.

Average rental yields across the UK are sitting around 5.37%, with some areas achieving considerably more. This represents a healthy return, especially when compared to savings account interest rates.

Why such strong demand?

- Affordability barriers to buying — high house prices and deposit requirements keep many in the rental market longer
- Demographic shifts — more people renting into their 30s and 40s than previous generations

The UK Housing Market Autumn reflects changing demographics that influence rental demand.

Flexibility preferences — some renters actively choose rental flexibility over ownership commitment
Reduced landlord numbers — many landlords have exited the market due to tax changes and regulation, reducing available stock

2. Energy Efficiency is Increasingly Important

Energy-efficient homes are increasingly preferred — tenants want to keep bills down. Properties with EPC ratings of C or above are letting faster and commanding premium rents.

Since April 2023, it’s been illegal to let properties with an EPC rating below E. But forward-thinking landlords are going further. Investing in insulation, double glazing, efficient boilers, and renewable energy not only attracts better tenants but also:

Reduces void periods — energy-efficient properties let faster
Justifies higher rents — tenants will pay more for lower running costs
Future-proofs your investment — regulations will only tighten
Adds capital value — energy improvements enhance resale value

Our landlord services include guidance on cost-effective energy improvements and access to trusted contractors.

3. Long-Term Tenants Value Security and Communication

Long-term tenants value security and good communication over just rent levels. In a market where moving costs are significant (deposit, agency fees, removal costs), many tenants prefer stability.

How to attract and retain quality long-term tenants:

- Be responsive — address maintenance issues promptly
- Communicate proactively — regular check-ins build trust

To thrive in the UK Housing Market Autumn, landlords should focus on communication and tenant satisfaction.

Consider longer tenancies — 2-3 year agreements provide mutual security
Be reasonable — when good tenants ask for minor modifications, consider saying yes
Price fairly — slightly below-market rent with a great tenant beats chasing maximum rent with high turnover

We offer comprehensive property management services including tenant finding, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and full regulatory compliance. We also specialise in HMO letting for landlords with houses in multiple occupation.

For tenants looking for their next home, browse available rentals across all our offices.

Regional Spotlight: The South West Advantage

Having offices across the South West — in Plymouth, Paignton, Exeter, and Taunton — we’ve witnessed firsthand how this region has outperformed many parts of the UK.

The South West’s resilience within the UK Housing Market Autumn is notable, making it a sought-after area for buyers.

What makes the South West resilient?

- Quality of life appeal — coastal living, countryside access, and lower crime rates
- Remote work migration — professionals relocating from expensive cities
- Second home demand — particularly in coastal areas of Devon and Cornwall
- University cities — Exeter’s strong student and professional market
- Tourism economy — supporting strong rental yields in tourist areas
- Infrastructure improvements — better rail links and digital connectivity

Investors should consider the advantages presented by the UK Housing Market Autumn in the South West region.

Browse properties for sale across our South West locations.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026

Based on current indicators and expert forecasts, here’s what we anticipate:

Interest rates: Further gradual reductions likely, with the Bank of England potentially reaching 4% by late 2026 as inflation stabilises

House prices: Modest growth of 2-3% nationally, with regional variation — the South West and northern cities likely to outperform London and the South East

Transaction volumes: Steady activity around the 10-year average of 1.1-1.2 million annually

Rental market: Continued strong demand, though build-to-rent developments may begin easing pressure in some cities

First-time buyers: Remaining the dominant buyer group, supported by improving mortgage products and government schemes

Stamp duty: Following the March 2025 threshold change, the market will adjust to the new normal

For the latest market analysis, read our recent article on The UK Property Market in Early 2025.

For continued insights, keep an eye on the UK Housing Market Autumn developments as we approach 2026.

Final Thoughts: A Market of Opportunity

Navigating the UK Housing Market Autumn effectively requires informed decision-making and strategic planning.

In short, 2025 is not a year of extremes. It’s about stability, realism, and smart decision-making. The market has matured, and those who adapt — whether selling or letting — are still seeing strong results.

The outlook for the UK Housing Market Autumn is promising for those ready to adapt.

After years of uncertainty, many clients tell us they’re relieved to be operating in a more predictable environment. Buyers can take time to find the right property without fear of being gazumped. Sellers can price realistically and attract genuine interest. Landlords can build sustainable portfolios with reliable yields.

The fundamentals remain strong:

The UK has a structural housing shortage
Demographics support continued demand (growing population, smaller household sizes)
Mortgage availability is improving
Employment remains relatively resilient
The desire for homeownership remains deeply embedded in British culture

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, let, or invest, now is an excellent time to make informed decisions with professional support.

The UK Housing Market Autumn offers unique opportunities for savvy investors and home buyers alike.

How Winfields Group Can Help

At Winfields Group, we’ve been guiding clients through property markets since 1998. Our services include:

Residential Sales — Expert marketing and negotiation
Buying Services — Property search, viewings, and transaction support
Lettings — Full property management and tenant finding
Commercial Property — Sales, lettings, and valuations
RICS Valuations — Independent professional valuations and surveys
Block Management — Specialist apartment building management
Land & New Homes — Development opportunities

With offices across the South West and in Reading and London, we combine local expertise with regional reach.

Ready to Make Your Move?

📞 Contact Winfields Group:

Plymouth: 01752 936567
Paignton: 01803 320969
Exeter: 01392 984126
Taunton: 01823 765057
Bristol: 01172 872199
Reading: 020 3633 2515
London: 020 3633 2515

🏠 Book a Free Valuation

🔍 Search Properties

📝 Register As A Buyer

💼 View Our Available Rentals

Property Experts since 1998

Plymouth

Bristol

Paignton

Reading

Exeter

London

Taunton