Category: Buyers

  • Hertfordshire Property Market Update 2026: Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham & St Albans

    Hertfordshire Property Market Update 2026: Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham & St Albans

    Hertfordshire Premium Property Market Update 2026: Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham & St Albans

    The Hertfordshire premium property market has entered 2026 in a far healthier position than many headlines suggest. Across Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham and St Albans, 2025 marked a year of stabilisation, recalibration, and — most importantly — renewed transactional confidence.

    While each location has behaved slightly differently, the underlying theme has been consistent: buyers are active, but disciplined; sellers can succeed, but only with the right strategy.

    This shift represents a return to a more normal, sustainable market after several years of volatility.

    (Source: Camden Chase Q1 2026 Market Reports) 2026 Q1 Newsletter Radlett, 2026 Q1 Newsletter Elstree, 2026 Q1 Newsletter Aldenham, 2026 Q1 Newsletter St Albans


    A Market Moving From Uncertainty to Stability

    Nationally, mortgage rates stabilised during 2025 and buyers adapted to higher borrowing costs. Locally, this translated into a market driven less by speculation and more by genuine needs-based moves — families upsizing, downsizers restructuring, and lifestyle-motivated relocations.

    This type of market tends to favour areas with strong fundamentals — good schools, connectivity, and quality housing stock — which explains why Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham and St Albans continue to perform well relative to many other UK locations.


    What Happened in Each Local Market?

    Radlett

    Radlett experienced a year of recalibration. Transaction levels improved, but a significant gap emerged between asking prices and achieved values, reflecting more rigorous buyer value assessment. Well-presented, realistically priced homes continued to sell, often within a few months.

    Elstree

    Elstree saw increased supply combined with more selective demand. Pricing became more transparent, and sellers who entered the market with realistic expectations generally achieved successful outcomes. Turnkey family homes close to amenities remained particularly popular.

    Aldenham

    Aldenham was arguably the standout performer. Activity increased significantly and — notably — there were zero fall-throughs during 2025, an exceptionally strong indicator of market health. Buyers showed a clear preference for privacy, land, and countryside outlook.

    St Albans

    St Albans demonstrated resilience, with only modest price softening and improved transaction reliability. Increased stock levels created more buyer choice, reinforcing the importance of pricing and presentation strategy at launch.


    The Most Important Message for Sellers

    Across all four markets, the same pattern emerged.

    The most successful sales shared three characteristics:

    1. Evidence-based pricing aligned with recent comparables
    2. High-quality presentation and marketing
    3. Careful buyer qualification and transaction management

    Overpricing at launch was the single biggest cause of extended marketing periods and price reductions.

    👉 Request a confidential valuation


    Timing: Why Early 2026 Matters

    Historically, the first quarter of the year delivers the strongest conditions for sellers, with higher enquiry levels, more motivated buyers, and faster agreement times.

    For homeowners considering a move in Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham or St Albans, preparation and timing remain critical factors in achieving the best possible outcome.


    Opportunities for Buyers

    For buyers, current conditions are more favourable than they have been for several years. Increased stock levels have restored choice and negotiating leverage, particularly on properties requiring modernisation.

    However, well-located and well-presented homes continue to attract competition, meaning decisiveness remains an advantage.

    👉 View properties for sale in Hertfordshire


    The Camden Chase View

    The premium Hertfordshire market has not rebounded through exuberance — it has stabilised through realism.

    2025 marked a return to functional confidence: transactions are completing, buyers are engaged, and pricing is becoming more evidence-driven.

    For those planning a move in 2026, informed strategy matters more than ever.


    Thinking of Moving?

    If you would like a confidential discussion about your home’s value, timing options, or buyer demand in Radlett, Elstree, Aldenham or St Albans, we would be very pleased to help.

  • 5 Ways the Autumn Budget Impacts the Property Market

    5 Ways the Autumn Budget Impacts the Property Market

    The Autumn Budget 2025 will go down in history for the absolutely unprecedented tidal wave of leaks – as to what may or may not be announced – in the weeks (and even in the minutes) leading up to it.

    Now the Budget has been delivered, let’s look at what actually did – and didn’t – happen from a property point of view. And how it might impact the market going into 2026.

    1. Council Tax …. and the much-rumoured Mansion Tax

    The biggest property-related leak in the weeks before the Budget was that Council Tax would be reformed and a new ‘mansion tax’ on higher value homes would be introduced.

    The rumours proved to be true – sort of.

    But, thankfully, the new tax won’t affect homeowners with a property worth over £500,000 as was originally feared.

    Rachel Reeves announced a new Higher Value Council Tax surcharge starting at £2,500 a year for homes worth over £2 million and scaling up to £7,500 for homes over £5 million.

    2. Stamp Duty

    In recent years, as house prices have risen, Stamp Duty has become a bitter pill to swallow – especially for first time buyers.

    It was thought Rachel Reeves might make some changes to get the housing market moving. And even that a new mansion tax might replace Stamp Duty for more expensive homes.

    No changes were made this year.

    3. Capital Gains Tax

    Capital Gains Tax isn’t payable on your main home. It is charged when selling second homes and investment property like buy-to-lets.

    At the last Budget, Rachel Reeves hiked CGT generally, but left it pretty much unchanged for property.

    There were rumours that there might be big changes that would affect the property market this year. Such as a further CGT rise. Or even a limit on or total removal of main residence relief.

    As it happened, nothing happened here either, which will be welcome news to property owners.

    4. Income Tax on earnings

    The much-leaked possible rise in Income Tax rates didn’t happen.

    However, the freeze on personal Income Tax allowances and thresholds –already frozen until 2027/28 – was extended until 2030/31.

    In effect, by way of what’s known as fiscal drag, this is a year-on-year tax rise. It will hit everyone who’s working and is thinking of buying a home or moving.

    5. Income Tax on savings and property income

    It was rumoured that the Budget would impose National Insurance contributions on rental income.

    But, rather than an NI rise, Rachel Reeves announced a somewhat sneaky 2% rise in the basic (to 22%), higher (to 42%) and additional (to 47%) rates of Income Tax chargeable on both savings and property income.

    This will affect buy-to-let landlords, as well as anyone with savings.

    So how might the Budget affect the market in 2026?

    A long-standing Labour commitment was not to raise the rates of Income Tax, National Insurance and VAT on what they call working people.

    Rachel Reeves used a smoke-and-mirrors approach – beloved of most Chancellors – to make it seem like this promise had been kept.

    However, experts estimate that the Budget brings in an estimated £26 billion of tax rises.

    At the end of the day, this is likely to make us all a little poorer. Or at the very least feel like we are.

    The Budget for homebuyers

    It only takes one leak to sink a ship …. as the old saying goes. Something we hope the Government will take on board. The many leaks over the last few weeks have certainly made buyers and sellers a bit more timid.

    Now that the Budget is out, everything is a bit more certain. And certainty is usually a positive thing for the property market.

    If you’ve been thinking about moving, you can now look ahead and plan with a little more certainty than before.

    Some good news on the horizon is that many experts predict interest rates will be cut again when the Bank of England next meets on 18 December. Either way, the cost of repaying a mortgage is likely to fall in 2026.

    The Higher Value Council Tax surcharge won’t affect most buyers. In fact, it may create more interest in prestige homes under the £2 million threshold.

    The Budget for Sellers

    Sellers should bear in mind that, whatever happens in the economy, a well-presented, accurately priced property will generally always get buyer interest.

    If you’ve been thinking about selling, now might be a good time to ask us for an up-to-date market valuation.

    The Budget for Landlords

    The 2025 Budget is a watershed moment for buy-to-let landlords. After several recent tax rises, the Income Tax rise on property income will come as a particular pain point.

    And that’s on top of the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into operation in England on May 1 2026.

    More than ever before, that means it’s time for landlords to take stock of their portfolio and decide what to do next.

    We hope you’ve found our Budget 2025 roundup helpful. If you know someone who might find it useful, please share it with them.

  • Feature Property: A Landmark Five-Bedroom Residence Blending Luxury, Design and Family Living

    Feature Property: A Landmark Five-Bedroom Residence Blending Luxury, Design and Family Living

    At Camden Chase, we specialise in showcasing homes that offer more than just square footage — properties that balance exceptional craftsmanship, intelligent design and the kind of warmth that makes a house truly feel like home. This remarkable five-bedroom detached home in St Albans is the perfect example.

    Aerial image of gorgeous home

    Recognised by the St Albans Civic Society for its thoughtful architectural design, this turnkey residence offers over 200 ft of landscaped gardens, beautifully curated interiors and a layout that has been meticulously designed for modern family living. Set within easy reach of leading local schools, Verulamium Park, St Stephen’s, and superb commuter links, it represents a rare opportunity to secure one of the area’s finest family homes.

    A Grand Entrance Made for Impressions

    The moment you step into the spacious entrance hall, the home’s quality is unmistakable. A sweeping staircase, generous proportions and an abundance of natural light set the tone for the rest of the property — elegant, inviting and built to last.

    The ground floor offers a selection of versatile spaces ideal for both relaxed family time and entertaining. The welcoming living room flows effortlessly onto the covered veranda, while the art-deco inspired games room adds a sense of fun and personality. A bespoke boot room has been thoughtfully designed with busy households in mind, and underfloor heating runs throughout, paired with premium Karndean and Amtico flooring.

    Art deco games room

    A 600 sq ft Kitchen Designed to Bring People Together

    The heart of the home is the exceptional open-plan kitchen and dining space — over 600 sq ft of beautifully executed design by Audus Kitchens. High-end appliances, a walk-in pantry and a statement island make this an extraordinary space for cooking, dining and hosting.

    Dual sets of bi-fold doors open onto the veranda and west-facing garden, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living — a key feature for many buyers seeking a luxury family home in St Albans. Whether it’s weekend gatherings, summer barbecues or quiet mornings with a coffee overlooking the garden, this space adapts effortlessly.

    Beautiful Accommodation Across Three Floors

    The first floor provides four generous bedrooms, each designed with comfort and practicality at the forefront. Luxury bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and a cleverly hidden “secret” ensuite add an element of surprise and sophistication.

    The top floor is dedicated entirely to the principal suite — a private retreat offering dual dressing rooms, a spa-like bathroom and a Juliet balcony with elevated views over St Stephen’s Park. A separate home office provides further flexibility for remote working or quiet study.

    A Garden Created for Modern Family Life

    The rear garden extends over 200 ft and has been carefully zoned to support every aspect of family living. From the basketball court and dedicated gym/garden room to wide lawned areas and direct access to a community park, it’s a garden designed to be lived in and enjoyed year-round.

    To the front, the property offers ample driveway parking and an EV charging point.

    A Rare St Albans Home That Excels in Every Way

    This exceptional property combines luxury living, architectural recognition, and true everyday practicality — a hallmark of the very best homes in St Albans. Its blend of countryside tranquillity and city convenience makes it an outstanding opportunity for those seeking a premium, move-in ready family residence.

    If you’re looking for a luxury five-bedroom home in St Albans that offers thoughtful design, impressive space and outstanding lifestyle appeal, this property stands head and shoulders above the rest.

  • St Albans Premium Property Market Newsletter Q3 2024

    St Albans Premium Property Market Newsletter Q3 2024

    HOW THE IS THE NEW LABOUR GOVERNMENTIMPACTING THE PROPERTY MARKET?

    Hello and welcome to the second instalment of the Camden Chase Newsletter.

    In this edition we will be reviewing what happened in the UK property market for the first full quarter (July – September) of a new government, comparing it to the previous quarter (April – June) and the same timeframe of recent years. We take a closer look at the local St. Albans property market and compare it to a wider national picture. Let’s dive straight in.

    Nationally, there were 11% more properties for sale in Q3 2024 compared to the same time last year, this was also 19% higher than the six-year average for Q3. The number of properties currently for sale in England is at a 10-year high.

    Locally, in the St. Albans area, there were 13.8% more properties for sale compared to Q3 2023, which is again, above the average of the last six years.

    This increased level of choice for purchasers, and extra level of competition for sellers, would explain why Zoopla have found that 18% of properties that come to market are still reducing their asking price by at least 5% and why 22% of properties for sale, have been on the market for more than six months.

    The Zoopla HPI also found a significant number of properties currently for sale that were previously rented out, or are being advertised with no chain. In St. Albans 25.2% of properties for sale have previously been rented and 45.4% of properties for are advertised with no chain.

    In St. Albans, 67.6% of the properties for sale had a price reduction in Q3. Currently, 23.3% of properties that are for sale have been on the market for at least six months.

    The latest Rightmove House Price Index (HPI) reports that it is currently taking, on average, a seller 60 days to find a buyer compared to 57 days at the same period last year. Specific to St Albans – the figure is 70 days.

    The extra level of choice available to buyers has meant that only those sellers pricing correctly, and showing value for money, are managing to sell quickly. Value-conscious buyers can afford to take their time and wait for a property with less compromises or one that offers more bang for their buck, whilst mortgage rates creep down at the same time.

    In Q3 2024, of the number of properties in St. Albans that left the market (were either sold or withdrawn) only 57.1% successfully found a buyer. This means that over 40% of homeowners coming to market are not going on to sell their property.

    What we also noticed in the data for Q3 is a higher number of sales falling through compared to last quarter, relatively to Q3 last year, and the average sale fall through rates in recent years.

    The data shows that the longer it takes a property to find a buyer, the more likely it is to fall-through. Properties that find a buyer in less than 25 days have a 6% chance of falling through, and properties that secure a buyer after 100 days have a 44% chance of falling through.

    Rightmove have also highlighted properties that reduce their asking price take longer to sell and are twice as likely to have a sale fall-through.

    If you would like to find out the “£ per square foot” value of your property and exactly where it sits in relation to comparable properties sold on the road and in the immediate area, CLICK THIS LINK to write a message to the team. Otherwise you can send us an email at hello@camdenchase.co.uk, call or WhatsApp us on 0330 043 4655.

    THE CONCLUSION

    There is more choice for buyers and higher competition for sellers, thus resulting in properties taking longer to sell and a higher number of price reductions taking place. More sales are falling through and more sellers are looking to change estate agents for a fresh approach, or they risk accruing time on market which has a big detrimental impact to the saleability of their property.

    Pricing correctly from the outset, as always, is key to achieving a sale by making sure you are in the market as opposed to on top of it, where a seller will receive little to no interest. The other most important factors to successfully completing a sale, are presentation and promotion of the property. Today property promotion goes some way beyond Rightmove and Zoopla advertisement. Marketing strategies including posting video content to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn as well as YouTube help expose a property to the widest possible audience.

    WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR THE REST OF THE 2024 AND INTO 2025?

    The number of new properties entering the market and sales being agreed suggests a more positive sentiment of where the market appears to be heading.

    Nationally, the number of new listings entering the market in Q3 compared to last year was up 9% which is 3% higher than the the six-year average. Even more positively, the number of sales agreed in the quarter outstripped this at 23.7%, which is now at a level just 1% below the 6 year average.

    This image from the Zoopla September House Price Index (HPI) also highlights the pent up buyer demand (Year on Year figures) following lower mortgage rates continuing to boost market activity through increased buyer confidence.

    Mortgage approvals in August this year were up on the previous month of July, were 43% higher than August 2023, and are now sitting just 2% below the pre-pandemic average. Completed transaction numbers in August were up 5.4% on August 2023, but note they are still 9% below pre-pandemic levels.

    The latest data from HM Land Registry has reported that prices are now 2.2% up on last this time year and are now higher than the peak of the market in September 2022.

    The number of new sales being agreed (subject to contract) now sits just 1% below the six-year average, another strong indicator that we have returned to a more healthy market.

    There are clear signs that confidence is returning to the market and whilst there is still some uncertainty, both politically and economically, it really does feel like we have moved away from the peak of interest rates, that people are done with sitting on the fence and are now ready to get on, when it comes to moving home.

    Where there is a lot of evidence demonstrating the resilience of the UK property market, we must remember not to get carried away with this positive market activity and growth in prices. Whilst interest rates have continued to slip down, they are still significantly higher than what they have been in recent years. The average monthly mortgage payment is currently 38% higher than five years ago, and this coupled with a higher number of properties for sale, will limit capital growth.

    WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MORTAGE RATES?

    The Bank of England Base Rate was held at 5% on 19th September, following a cut at the start of August from 5.25% – the first in more than four years. There are predictions that by Autumn 2025 the Base Rate could fall to 3.5%.

    In May we saw the rate of inflation fall below the Bank of England’s target of 2% for the first time since 2021. The current inflation rate at time of writing this article is 1.7%.

    The current average mortgage rate for a five-year fixed rate mortgage is 4.54%, down from 4.57% last week. The current average two-year fixed rate mortgage is 4.88%, down from 4.91% last week as well. Modest decreases, but decreases nevertheless.

    The lowest available two-year fixed rate is currently 3.84% and the lowest available 5-year fixed rate mortgage is now 3.68%. A further cut to the Base Rate is forecasted to happen before year end. Keep your eyes peeled on the next two MPC meetings taking place 7th November and 19th December.

    The outlook for interest rates is far from certain considering global events. Fixed mortgage rates today reflect the extent by which financial markets expect UK interest rates to lower in the next 2-5 years. Many commentators believe that mortgage rates will settle within the high 3% to low 4% range in 2025.

    OTHER FACTORS IMPACTING BUYER DEMAND

    Household incomes are rising which improves buyer affordability and positively influences buyer confidence.

    Perhaps not discussed as much outside of the capital, but the exchange rate can have an impact on property prices. You might be surprised at just how many transactions happening locally involve overseas buyers or overseas funding. There are also many sellers that are leaving the UK and purchasing their next home abroad.

    Now the elephant in the room – the Autumn Budget taking place 30th October. Much like elections, an impending budget causes some political and economic uncertainty, which the property market does not react too kindly to in the build up to the event.

    We have analysed the number of mortgage approvals seen over the two months prior to, and then straight after the last ten budgets since March 2020. On average, the number of buyers entering the market increases by 10.6% following a major budget. The average boost to mortgage approval levels following a budget sits at 2.9%.

    Historic data does show that market activity and property prices, more often than not, move in a positive direction following an election or major budget, and the recent election is evidence of that.

    CASE STUDY

    This property on Ragged Hall Lane in St. Albans, has been on and off the market since 2023 with several other agents, without any success identifying a suitable buyer.

    Camden Chase listed the property in early September this year. After an open house with multiple buyer visits, a sale was agreed in excess of the asking price, within two weeks of launch.

    Here is what the owner Paul had to say about his experience:

    “Having used numerous local estate agents over the years for various property sales, I have to say that my recent experience of using Scott Henderson of Camden Chase to sell my property is night and day, compared to what I have experienced previously. I can’t recommend Scott highly enough. Scott offers a very professional, personal service and is very hands on and shows a level of ‘caring’ that I have not seen before. Thank you Scott for all your hard work”

    CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE HOW WE MARKETED THE HOUSE. THE VIDEO IS A MUST WATCH!

    WHAT DID WE DO DIFFERENTLY?

    1. Professional photos and aerial photography highlighting the homes incredible presentation, the quality of the fixtures and fittings, and the 3,400sqft floor area. Whilst making sure to show off the 125ft garden.

    2. Presenter-led video tours (including social media and YouTube advertising) demonstrating how the home is lived in to help build an emotional connection with buyers (which generates 6% more enquiries and helps homes sell 50% faster compared to a listings without video according to Rightmove)

    3. The property was also marketed on a specific price bracket on Rightmove and Zoopla which gives the listing 11% more views, which in turn means more enquiries, more physical viewings and more offers.

    THE VIP BUYERS CLUB

    Another service we provide which helps us to sell properties that other agents can’t, is a pro-active property search service called “The VIP Buyers Club”. We effectively act as a matchmaker by identifying off-market (not advertised) opportunities to help buyers find their dream home.

    Did you know that if you are currently looking to buy a property in Radlett by searching on Rightmove, you would only see roughly 2.5% of all the properties that are actually potentially available to you?

    By using advanced technologies, we should be able to open the doors of at least one home that is not currently advertised, on Rightmove, Zoopla or anywhere else, for every buyer that benefits from the service. Sometimes we are able to introduce buyers to two or even three homes.

    HOW TO INCREASE THE VALUE AND SALEABILITY OF YOUR PROPERTY

    If you are currently on the market or you are looking to sell in the near future and want our advice on how to improve the value and saleability of your house, or if you are struggling to find your next home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will be happy to give you the benefit of years of experience in selling homes for record prices and helping buyers find their dream home.

    To end the year, we are helping St Albans homeowners plan for 2025 by conducting a complimentary initiative for a select group. I’m not sure if it’s for you, but we will be offering our expert opinion on the value of your home and and how to increase it. A meeting will only take only 30 minutes of your time.

    The following information will be made available to you:

    1. The current market value of your property – an equity update.

    2. Instructions on how to increase the value and saleability of your property.

    3. An in-depth professional report on the local property market.

    4. Answers to any questions you might have about selling or the moving process.

    Regardless of your timeline, we have found knowing the current value of your property can help you to plan for the future, with considerations for remortgaging, drawing equity for renovations, or using funds for things such as a deposit for an investment property. Whether you are looking to sell in the coming months or just curious as to the current value of your home, rest assured you won’t be wasting our time by getting in touch.

    Thank you for taking the time to read the Q3 2024 Premium Property Market Update and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

    If you’ve skipped to the end, in a nutshell; Q3 2024 saw a rebound in activity compared to last year with clear signs of buyer demand increasing. Despite political and economic uncertainty, sales activity is improving due to lowering interest rates.

    However, it remains a very price sensitive market where only serious, realistic and flexible sellers presenting a competitively priced property, are attracting value-conscious buyers to take action.

  • Premium Property Market Newsletter – July edition

    Premium Property Market Newsletter – July edition

    Hello and welcome to our July edition of the Premium Property Market Newsletter.

    WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING? WHOLE OF MARKET ANALYSIS

    The graph opposite compares the first six months of 2024 with the second half of 2023, then with the first half of 2023 and also with the 6 year average of the same H1 period (Jan – June).

    H1 2024 Market Update in Numbers

    The first half of 2024 saw an increase in the number of properties listed for sale compared to the same period across the past six years and the second half of 2023.

    There are several ways to look at this both positively and negatively.

    The positives are that there is a better supply of property on the market and more choice for buyers, which was a real issue during the Covid market (July 2020 through to July 2022) as through that period there were not enough properties to keep up with demand. This extra supply will also bring those sellers to the market that wait until they have found a property to buy before listing their own property.

    The negatives are that an increase in supply and more choice for buyers could cause prices to stagnate or reduce and mean it will take longer to sell a property as sellers have more competition.

    However, as you can see from the chart below, whilst stock levels of property for sale right now are considerably higher than that of late 2020 to late 2022, they are very similar to typical pre-Covid levels.

    Total Stock of Property For Sale, England and Wales

    The number of new listings entering the market continues to be on the rise and this is a clear sign of increased positivity from sellers deciding now is the right time to make a move.

    This positive sentiment is also being passed onto buyers with the number of sales being agreed outpacing the number of new listings when comparing the first half of 2024 with the first half of 2023 and the last six months of 2023.

    You can also see from this chart that transactions on the Land Registry continue to move in the right direction with a 17% increase on May 2023, a 2% increase on April 2024, and (bar April) there has been a six consecutive month-on-month rise.

    Number of Monthly Property Transactions

    Sales agreed in the first six months of 2024 are also 4.65% up on the six-year average which just goes to show that there is plenty of activity in the market.

    Sales agreed in the first six months of 2024 are also 4.65% up on the six-year average and just goes to show that there is definitely plenty of activity in the market.

    More sales being agreed has also meant an increase in the number of mortgage approvals as can be seen from this chart.

    Net Mortgage Approvals for House Purchases

    However, whilst there is growing activity in the market with an increase in the volume of properties coming to the market, more choice for buyers, and a higher number of sales being agreed, there is a continuing problem of incorrectly priced properties having to reduce their asking price.

    In the first half of 2024, 42% of properties have had to reduce their asking price and 12.6% of all properties have had to reduce their asking price more than once.

    According to Rightmove, properties that reduce their asking price are less likely to sell and if they do sell, will take 3 times longer to do so.

    The latest Property Sentiment Index from OnTheMarket showed that 41% of properties are selling in the first month of coming to market and data from TwentyEA highlights that only 52.23% of properties coming to market are actually going on to sell.

    We are clearly in a very price sensitive time and sellers must remember that buying power has reduced significantly over the past couple of years, whilst buyer demand is most definitely returning as buyer affordability continues to be stretched.

    WHAT ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE ELECTION?

    Now to review how the whole of the market reacted to the six-week campaign between the announcement of the election and the day of the Labour landslide victory.

    Effect of Election on Property Market

    As you can see from the chart:

    • New listings are on the up.
    • Sales are on the rise.
    • Sellers are realigning their pricing expectations.
    • Sellers are staying on the market and not withdrawing.
    • Fall-throughs remained the same.
    • More sellers are relisting their property.

    The election has certainly not dampened the spirits of potential home movers and the market has responded positively.

    Key statistics for the £1,000,000+ market across the UK from the first half of 2024 compared to previous years are as follows: –

    1.There were 19.17% more properties newly listed to the market compared to the same period in 2023 and this was 42.28% higher than the six-year average for H1.

    2.There was a 22.28% increase in the number of properties for sale in comparison to the same period in 2023. This figure was 38.47% higher than the six-year average for H1 as well.

    3.The number of sales agreed rose by 17.29% when compared to the same period in 2023 and this was a 22.57% rise on the six-year average.

    All of those metrics significantly outperformed the whole of the market and is strong evidence that the higher end of the market continues to remain very resilient against tougher market conditions with an increase in new listings entering the market, more properties for sale, and a higher number of sales being agreed.

    However, there are still some other metrics to consider at the higher end of the market as well:

    1.The number of price reductions compared to 2023 was 18.60% higher and 55.83% up on the six-year average.

    2.There was an 11.28% increase on the number of properties withdrawing from the market when compared to 2023. This was also 31.45% higher than the six-year average.

    3.The number of fall-throughs were 21.55% higher than the six-year average.

    All of these figures were considerably higher than the rest of the market and highlights that whilst the premium end of the market is performing well, it is not immune to the difficulties impacting the whole of the market.

    HOW WILL THE REST OF 2024 PLAY OUT?

    There is a 60% chance of a cut to the base rate at the next meeting on 1st August.

    Inflation has now dropped 4 months in a row and is at its lowest point since July 2021, hitting the 2% target that was aimed for.

    All of this is a clear indication that the market is moving in the right direction.

    So, if you or someone you know is thinking of making a move and hesitating to do so, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether now is the right time to sell or buy a home.

    There’s also no way to predict precisely what the market will do in the near future. Perfectly timing the market should not be the goal. This decision should be determined by personal needs, financial means, and the time one has to find the right home.

    It is worth noting that those who have put off buying a home during recent times because they were holding out for prices to drop and lower mortgage rates, have been left out of the market.

    Today’s price will always feel expensive, but remember we are now eight years on from the EU referendum and house prices are on average 32.17% higher than before the UK voted to leave the EU.

    Some people might be sitting on the fence with what to do next now we have a new Government, but if the historic data is anything to go by, the UK property market will continue to remain resilient throughout evolving political and economic times. Many forecasts predict house price growth over the next few years.

    Thanks for reading. If you or someone you know would like to better understand the value of their property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Camden Chase Estate Agents.