Housing insight report: December 2024

Although we see key aspects of the economy stabilise, the commercial property sector continues to face challenges, as many business sectors evolve to keep pace with ever-progressing trends and shifts in demand. 

August tends to be one of the quieter months in the auction calendar, however September’s figures demonstrated an extremely positive response, with a nearly 10% increase in lots offered and sold across the UK. As the economy continues to stabilise, it is fantastic to see members report strong demand and growth in performance.

The next few months are likely to prove busy for the sales market, with stock coming to the market and consumers showing they are keen to stay ahead of Stamp Duty threshold changes due in England and Northern Ireland in April 2025. The lettings market remains extremely challenging, with long-running issues regarding an intense lack of rental stock across the UK.

As we head into the New Year, the sales market is set to see a trend unlike those historically seen across the winter months, with buyers and sellers, especially across England and Northern Ireland, pushing their sales and purchases through to save potentially thousands of pounds before the changes to Stamp Duty thresholds take effect from April 2025.