Property Market Report: March 2025 – A Rise Amid Stamp Duty Changes

The UK property market shows strong signs in March. Rightmove reports data that marks rising prices. Asking prices move up 1.1% and now reach £371,800. Agreed sales climb 9% compared to last year. Buyers act fast as stamp duty rules change. The market moves with clear speed.

March Market Trends

Mid-March data shows listings gain value. Listings rise by £3,876 since February. Seasonal trends match past years. Colleen Babcock at Rightmove says, "March is a strong seller month." Listings now hit their highest level since 2015. The soon-to-change stamp duty drives this rush. A new tax rule takes effect on 1 April. The lower nil rate band will add cost for many buyers.

Mortgage Calculators Provide Help

For those planning an investment path, our mortgage calculators stand ready. They help check how different repayment plans affect your money. They also show how to save by switching mortgages and by paying more when you can.

Today, the five-year fixed rate is 4.74%. This rate is lower than July 2023’s peak of 6.11% and a little under last year’s 4.84%. The Bank of England now sets the base rate at 4.5%, down from 4.75%. Experts say rates may stay the same in the meeting on 20 March.

Mark Harris, CEO of SPF Private Clients, notes that as the base rate holds, fixed-rate deals might slowly drop if swap rates slide.

Regional Variations in Prices

Data shows differences between areas. In England, Wales, and Scotland, all regions see rising asking prices. Annual numbers show a clear north-south gap. In Scotland, prices rise 4% to an average of £197,643. In contrast, the South West sees a small fall of 0.3%, with an average of £382,637. London has the highest price at £695,885 and grows 1.3% year-on-year. The South East and the East of England see modest rises of 0.6% and 1.2%.

Matt Thompson from Chestertons says many sellers know spring brings busy markets. He expects more properties will come as buyers join a quick market.

The Duty of Demand

In the weeks before the stamp duty change, the market sees a strong push by buyers. First-time buyers hurry to lock in current costs and avoid extra taxes. Matt Smith from Rightmove sees more urgency among buyers.

Forecasts show that house prices may hold steady. A low supply and high demand could push prices up in this seller-friendly time.

Conclusion

Investors and home seekers should weigh these changes. Use our mortgage calculators to plan repayment and check your finances. With many moves expected before the tax change, now is a time to join the property scene. This advice also helps those thinking of House in Multiple Occupation investments.

Clear trends in rising asking prices, shifting mortgage rates, and upcoming tax changes mean careful thought and planning will help you move ahead.

Sources

• Rightmove – Rightmove Property Market Report
• Halifax – Halifax House Price Index
• Nationwide – Nationwide House Price Index
• Bank of England – Bank of England Base Rate
• Better.co.uk – Better Mortgage Advice

Note: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.