This April, we’ve hit a fresh milestone in the UK property market. The average price of a home coming to market has jumped by 1.4% (£5,312) to a new record high of £377,182. It’s an unusually strong price rise for the time of year — and what makes it more remarkable is that this surge comes during a period with the highest number of properties for sale in over a decade.
So, what’s going on? Let’s unpack what this means for buyers and sellers, and how it’s playing out in our local market here in the Forest of Dean and beyond.
A Resilient Market, Despite Shifting Tides
The stamp duty increase was expected to cool things down a bit — and yet, here we are with record prices and resilient buyer demand. It’s clear that movers have adjusted to the changes and are pressing on with their plans. Sales are holding firm, with no major spike in fall-throughs, and encouragingly, the backlog of buyers racing to beat the stamp duty deadline has eased by nearly 24,000 completions.
Confidence is proving to be a major driving force. Compared to this time last year:
- New buyer demand is up by 5%
- New seller activity is up by 4%
- Average asking prices are up by 1.3%
This combination of demand and supply is helping fuel momentum — even in a market where choice has expanded significantly.
Pricing Strategy Is Crucial in Today’s Market
With so many homes on the market, buyers have a wider choice — and that makes your asking price more important than ever.
According to Rightmove’s latest research, homes that are priced correctly from day one are not only more likely to sell, but also sell in less than half the time compared to homes that need a price reduction down the line.
Here at Hattons, we always focus on realistic, strategic pricing that reflects the unique value of your home while staying competitive in your local market. Overpricing may feel tempting — especially in a rising market — but it often backfires, leaving your home stuck while fresher, more sensibly priced listings get snapped up.
Sector Breakdown: Who’s Seeing the Biggest Gains?
April’s price surge wasn’t spread evenly across all market segments. The strongest growth was seen at the top of the property ladder, where average asking prices jumped 3.0% month-on-month to £693,048.
- First-time buyers: £228,551 (+0.3%)
- Second-steppers: £346,703 (+0.8%)
- Top of the ladder: £693,048 (+3.0%)
This suggests that aspirational movers and upsizers remain active, while affordability constraints may be cooling activity slightly among those entering the market for the first time. However, with possible Bank of England interest rate cuts on the horizon, affordability could soon get a welcome boost.
What Lies Ahead?
The property market has always reflected wider economic and global events. And while the current resilience is impressive, there are still unknowns ahead. From global tariffs to domestic political changes, we’ll be watching closely to see how things unfold.
That said, the market’s adaptability — even in the face of rising costs and global headwinds — speaks volumes about the ongoing strength and emotional pull of homeownership in the UK.
Thinking of Selling?
With buyer demand up and homes hitting new price records, this could be a smart time to act — especially if you’ve been sitting on the fence.
At Hattons Estate Agents, we blend cutting-edge marketing, local knowledge, and genuine customer care to make your home stand out. Whether you’re buying your first property, moving up the ladder, or selling a long-loved home, we’re here to make your journey smooth, successful, and maybe even a little exciting.
