Your need-to-know news and numbers: February 2025.

One month down already! After 31 days focussing on personal growth (hopefully) and keeping those resolutions (again… hopefully), you’re about to get your next news and numbers wrap up. We’re back to let you know what’s happened in the property market as 2025 commenced, in your February update.

£28K

They say cash is king. It’s an age old saying that’s definitely ringing true when it comes to buying a property.

Buying a house is the biggest purchase most of us will make, and finances have to be in place when it comes to securing a home. However, cash buyers are bagging a bigger discount than those who rely on a mortgage – with a reduced bill of £28,000 on average.

The ‘cash discount’ has risen by 12.4% in just two years, according to some new research, with those buyers appearing as a more attractive option for sellers. This often leads to sellers accepting a lower offer, as they have more security and a faster completion due to there being no property chain, according to City AM.

3.3%

Is now the right time to buy – or shall I wait? That’s the question many prospective buyers are pondering. In an uncertain housing market, both buyers and sellers are debating whether to wait for better conditions.

UK house prices increased by 3.3 per cent last year (comparing the end of the 2024 to the start). But, with prices creeping up, it’s not all bad news - as there could be a silver lining.

In the pool of people selling up, we’re expecting a reduction in asking prices, as they bid to complete before the stamp duty tax break expires. Property expert Jonathan Rolande told the i Paper he expects sellers to make more stamp duty-related reductions in the run up to April, creating a flurry of activity as more buyers rush to complete.

8

How’d you like the sound of expert tips that can help house hunters and wannabe buyers in 2025?

It’s the year to put plans into action – with many of us packing up and moving on to our next home (or first home, in some cases). Zoopla saw the biggest pipeline of sales at the end of the year for four years in 2024. But, as you’re decluttering, packing, cleaning and checking everything else off your to do list, it’s easy to slip up on some of the finer details that can stall your house buying process.

Ryan Etchells, Together’s Chief Commercial Officer, shared his eight expert tips on how to prepare in advance with Vicky Shaw of The Independent. From getting your paperwork and credit records in check, to broadening your horizons and knowing what you can afford – these are tips you don’t want to miss. Ensure smoother sailing when navigating the obstacles that could delay you moving into your perfect property.

14%

The property market has blasted out of the starting blocks in 2025, with Zoopla tracking a 14% increase in buyer demand (compared to early 2024).

We’re off to a flying start.

Alex Rose, Director of Sales at Zoopla, told the Financial Reporter how incredibly encouraging it is to see the momentum from the end of last year continuing over into 2025. And as demand hots up, so can the competition to secure a property ahead of the rest. Find out more on how customers are turning to bridging loans to avoid the drain of a chain.

50.2%

You’ve heard of remote working, but what about remote control living?

Over recent years, smart home technology has been all the rage. From controlling our lights, to turning up the heating, sound system and more – all at the touch of a button. And the traction smart living is gaining is growing in popularity. As of 2024, 39% of UK homeowners had installed smart devices in their homes and this is set to rise to 50.2% by 2027, according to International Business Times.

It’s a smart trend that a lot of people are getting on board with – but why is that? Well, home upgrades can help trim down household bills (just to name one of its benefits). Adding solar panels, security systems, smart lighting and features for assisted living when you move into retirement can all help with costs – and, not to mention, increase your homes asking price if you decide it’s time to move.

500

We all know about the government’s 1.5 million target, and the city of Wolverhampton is definitely doing its part. Around 500 new homes are being built over the next five years, and many others renovated, after £98m funding was agreed by council bosses. They’ll be stacking this investment on top of the multi-million pound remodelling of their New Park Village Estate, according to the BBC.

Wolverhampton Council’s commitment? Affordable, habitable homes. They’ve got some major plans to deliver their programme for the city, leveraging new opportunities to connect communities. The project also includes making good use of the city’s hidden gems by refurbishing abandoned buildings.

And, the regeneration has already begun…

1950s

In Nottingham, they’ve also got plans in the pipeline - developing a Grade II listed building in Beechdale into a thriving focal point. As part of a new housing development, the transformation of a 1950s war bunker could form part of the expansion, as reported by the BBC.

The scheme for the 1950’s Nottingham War Rooms includes the construction of 104 affordable homes, with 64 being rented and 40 as shared ownership. The visual design will keep the traditional brick, fitting in with the residential surrounding area. While also including the brutal concrete as a nod to the War Room building’s character.

And there you have it, your need-to-know numbers for February. See you here at the same time next month?

In the meantime, keep up to date by following us on social – we’re over on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.