Is it Buyers' Market?

10 July, 2025

What Does ‘Buyer’s Market’ Actually Mean?

A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers. This gives buyers more power, they have more choice, they can take their time, and they’ve got room to negotiate on price.

On the flip side, sellers have to be more flexible. Homes tend to sit on the market a bit longer and might not reach the full asking price unless they’re priced really well and look their best.

House Prices Are Easing Off

Over the last year, house prices across the UK have started to cool. Nationwide’s latest figures show a drop of around 1.8% since this time last year. Halifax reports similar trends. Some areas have seen bigger drops than others; places like the South East have slowed more, while areas in the North and parts of Scotland are holding up better.

This doesn’t mean the market’s crashing. We’re not seeing any dramatic falls, but the big price jumps from a couple of years ago have definitely settled down. This means buyers don’t need to rush or overbid, and sellers need to be more realistic with pricing.

Mortgages Are Still Pricey

Mortgage rates are a big factor here. The Bank of England base rate has levelled off at around 4.5%, but it’s still much higher than a few years ago. Most fixed mortgage deals are sitting between 4.5% and 5.5%, and that’s holding some buyers back.

People are more cautious now. They’re thinking carefully about what they can afford and don’t want to overpay, especially with interest rates staying fairly high.

More Homes Are Coming to Market

There are more homes for sale now compared with last year. According to Rightmove, new listings are up by 14%. That means buyers have more choice and sellers are competing for attention.

In many areas, we’re seeing properties stay on the market longer, and sellers are more open to offers. It’s a good time to negotiate if you’re buying.

Some Places Are Still Busy

Not everywhere is the same. In places like parts of London, Manchester, and Bristol, family homes in good school areas are still getting snapped up quickly. But flats in city centres, especially older ones without outdoor space, are much slower.

If you’re looking to buy a house outside the big city hotspots, you’re likely to find more options, more flexibility, and sellers willing to talk deals.

What This Means If You’re Buying

If you’re a first-time buyer, have a good deposit, or you’re chain-free, this could be a smart time to make a move. Here’s why:

• You’ve got more choice
  
  

• Sellers are more willing to negotiate
  
  

• You’re not having to rush or compete with dozens of others
  
  

• You can take your time and make sensible offers
  
  

Just make sure you’ve got your mortgage in place and know what you’re comfortable spending. And don’t skip the survey,  it’s worth knowing what you’re buying.

What If You’re Selling?

If you’re selling right now, price matters more than ever. Buyers are careful and well-informed. If your home is priced too high, it’ll likely sit on the market for weeks with no serious offers.

That said, if you’re also buying your next home, a slower market can actually help you. You might not get top money for your sale, but you’ll probably get a better deal on your next purchase too. It can balance out.

Presentation also counts. Tidy up, fix the obvious stuff, and make sure your agent is being proactive with viewings and feedback.

So, Is It a Buyer’s Market?

For many areas and types of property, yes,  the balance is tipping towards buyers. There’s more stock, less urgency, and prices have softened. That gives buyers the upper hand in many situations.

But good homes in popular areas still sell fast. It’s not a total buyers’ free-for-all, but buyers definitely have more breathing space than they did a year or two ago.

Need advice on buying or selling in today’s market?

At Get An Offer, we help sellers find serious buyers quickly, with less stress and no time wasted. Whether you’re moving on, downsizing, or want to sell with tenants in place, our team is here to help.

Get in touch for a quick chat about your options. No pushy sales talk, just honest advice that works for you.