Dear friends,
Happy New Year (can we still say that??) and welcome to your first High-Value Home Update for 2025. Here’s what’s in store…
Here’s the CC Team at the 2024 Christmas Party
The early market trends in 2025 and my crystal ball predictions
Insider insights and opinions from some of the most prestigious independent agents around the UK… and do the ‘big nationals’ agree?
Interest rates and Inflation: what’s happening and how are you impacted?
The TRUMP effect.
Plus: our top 5 tips to sell your home this year!
Sound good? Grab yourself your favourite hot drink and a HobNob (chocolate if you’re feeling fancy), and let’s get into it…
A brief look back on 2024
For most of us in the property world, and especially in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire, 2024 felt like a step in the right direction. Compared with 2023, which was tough, with the lowest number of transactions recorded since 2012, the last 12 months or so have seen a big uptick in transactions: around a 10% increase year on year.
Analysts predict that 2025 will see 1.15 million property transactions, suggesting more improvement in market conditions.
Selling in 2025?
If you’re thinking of selling your home this year, NOW is the time to pick up the phone and have that all-important conversation with us (01844 399292).
Why? So, we can plan together! Different styles of homes and different values of properties have different optimal months to go to market, in order to maximise interest levels and price.
CURRENT UK INTEREST RATE: 4.5% Next review 20th March 2025 – Prediction: 4.5%
RECORD BREAKING
In Q4 of 2024, we agreed a sale on a new record-high sale price for College and County, at over £2.2 million!
UK Interest Rates and Economy
On 6th February, The Bank of England reduced the UK interest rate (or bank base rate) from 4.75% to 4.5%.
However, while announcing the February rate decision, the Bank also cut its growth forecast for the UK economy in 2025 from 1.5% to 0.75%.
It expects the UK to only narrowly avoid falling into a recession, where the economy shrinks for two quarters in a row, and predicts that inflation will rise towards 4% later in 2025.
The Bank is concerned about the possible impacts of increases to the amount of National Insurance paid by employers and the minimum wage, both of which take effect in April, and therefore is likely to leave the interest rate at 4.5% for a while.
President Trump may impact future decisions (read The Trump Effect further on for more details).
The early market trends in 2025
2025 started with a bang for us, with year-on-year increases in viewings, offers and sales.
In January, the market between £500,000 and £1 million was red hot, with multiple viewing requests and offers on homes in this price range. Into February, this momentum has spread into the £1million+ price range.
Homes on the market for £1million or more, that had previously had little to no interest, are now seeing viewings and offers come in.
Now, looking into my trusty ‘crystal ball’…
“I predict that over the next 10–12 weeks, into the more traditional selling months, we’ll see all of the momentum in the market that has built up below the £1 million price point spread consistently to properties over that price. With the interest rate reduction, this will bring more sellers and then buyers to the market at the lower-end price points, fuelling the whole market into a very strong Q2.”
Here’s how I see it playing out:
As more offers are accepted around the UK on homes under £1 million, the more proceedable buyers will move into the marketplace.
Momentum will continue to grow, with the ‘hot’ market ending Q1 a step up in price bracket: between £1 million and £1.5 million
The more ‘traditional’ selling periods of March–May will help fuel the market momentum.
2025 will be a strong market for selling high-value homes.
The Trump Effect
Divisive figure Donald Trump was sworn in to be the US president for the second time in January. He has spent his first weeks in office announcing many radical ideas. The most poignant for the purpose of this letter, and impact on the UK economy, is a potential increase in tariffs.
Canada seems to be getting the brunt of this at the moment, but attention could turn to the UK at any time with Trump suggesting that ‘the UK is way out of line’.
Starmer will be tested by Trump’s threat of tariffs and the impact this could have on the UK economy
Trade wars anywhere in the world usually cause some level of financial uncertainty and slower growth, which is rarely a good thing for property markets and is likely to results in increases in mortgage rates.
Trump’s policies are ‘America First’ and are likely to lead to a strengthening of the dollar. With 35% of UK imports paid in dollars, this will increase costs and add to inflation. This will halt any thought of the Bank of England reducing interest rates.
A potential counter to this is if the President can stop the war in Ukraine, as he promised to do. This would bring about a sense of economic stability.
What’s happening elsewhere in the UK?
“We’ve seen a very active market in the beginning of 2025, with lots of viewings at all price points, and buyers willing to offer over the marketing price for the first time in 18 months!”
Georges Verdis, London Executive, Marylebone
“We’ve seen a positive start to the year in Newcastle. Lots of viewings, lots of buyers and lots of sales. We’re seeing more and more landlords looking to offload their portfolios, but there are enough younger investors willing to take them on right now to keep the market moving.”
Michael Mortimer, Hive Estate Agents, Newcastle
“The market in Cheshire has seen a steady opening to the year. We’re seeing buyers with budgets of over £1.75million, and lots of buyers with budgets under a £million – in between is a struggle right now.”
Lisa Curran, Currans Unique, Cheshire
“We’ve seen a steady first few weeks. Properties at the lower price points are moving quickly, but it’s a little stickier the higher up you go. Lots of new homes are coming to market in Q1, which should inject some life into the higher-end of the market going into Q2.”
Chris Heaps, Enfields Luxe, Yorkshire
“Anything over £1.5million is very quiet, but the opposite is true under £800k with lots of viewings and plenty of offers. We’re expecting this to spread to the higher price points in Spring.”
Olivia Thompson, Pittaway Thompson, Warwickshire
“After a tough 2024 in West London, we were hopeful of better things in 2025 – and it’s started well. Viewings and offers are coming in steadily and we’re cautiously optimistic about a strong Spring market.”
Ranjit Mann, Castle Hill Properties, London
5 Tips to Maximise Your Home Value
Are you, or someone you know, thinking of selling sometime this year? If so, here are our top 5 tips to maximise the sale price for you and your property…
1 – First Impressions Matter
In today’s market, first impressions are made before buyers even set foot through your door – thanks to online listings. Make sure the exterior of your home looks impeccable, both in person and on screen. This includes freshening up the paintwork on gates, windows and any outdoor structures, and keeping the garden tidy, especially in areas like driveways, walkways and the approach to your front door.
With many buyers now searching from afar, ensure your property looks inviting in photos, with perhaps a splash of seasonal colour –think fresh flowers, a neat lawn or even some outdoor lighting to add warmth to evening views. The goal is to create an immediate sense of “I want to be there” from the moment they see your listing online.
Tip 2 – A Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in 2025 – especially if you’re aiming for a modern, light and airy feel. Neutral tones are still a winner. A well-painted room can make a home look crisp, wellmaintained and cared for – qualities that buyers will pick up on. Think of it as setting the stage for them to imagine their own lives in the space, and ensure that the colours you choose feel fresh and in keeping with the style of the home. It’s an investment that pays off, particularly for high-end homes where the quality of finishes can really set you apart.
Tip 3 – Create an Inviting Atmosphere, Even Virtually
In 2025, in-person viewings may still be crucial, but online marketing has become just as important for reaching buyers – especially those from farther afield. Whether in person or online, aim to create an immersive experience by enhancing the atmosphere. Leave soft, ambient lighting on to highlight key features of the home, and consider lighting a fire to bring a sense of warmth. Subtle background music (maybe a light jazz playlist or acoustic sounds) can set a relaxed mood, helping potential buyers feel at ease. If you want to go the extra mile, bake something aromatic like fresh bread or a cake before a viewing – it’s an age-old trick that makes your home feel welcoming and lived-in, allowing buyers to imagine themselves settling in
Tip 4 – Style Bedrooms Like a Luxury Retreat
Buyers are looking for homes that offer not just a place to live but a retreat from the stresses of modern life. Your bedrooms should reflect this – think of them as personal sanctuaries. Aim for a hotel-style aesthetic, but with a modern, understated twist. Invest in high-quality, simple bedding – crisp white or soft muted tones – and add touches like matching lamps and a beautiful throw to complete the look. For luxury properties, consider incorporating elements like organic, sustainable linens or high-end, bespoke furniture that will appeal to the eco-conscious buyer. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels like a five-star hotel room – relaxing, calming and beautifully appointed – so the buyer imagines themselves unwinding in the space.
Tip 5 – Less Is More with Styling
While buyers are increasingly drawn to minimalist, clutter-free homes, this is especially important when showing off a high-value property. The ‘3-5-7 rule’ still stands, but now it’s even more essential to give buyers the space to envision their own lives in your home. Clear surfaces and open spaces help buyers focus on the true potential of each room. Consider removing personal items like family photos or excessive décor that could distract from the property’s beauty. A clean, simple aesthetic creates an environment where buyers can imagine themselves in the space, without being overwhelmed by the previous owner’s style. Remember, less clutter equals more space – and in Oxon and Bucks, where the views and natural beauty should take centre stage, your home’s interiors should complement, not compete with, the surroundings.
Once you’ve nailed these tips, your home will be exponentially more saleable and you’re ready make the call and to go to market…
What’s next?
A chat over a cup of tea or coffee is our favourite way of getting to know you and your home, and discovering your future plans.
You’ll never be wasting our time. It’s our job to help the owners of high-value homes in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas to make informed decisions, whether you’re planning on selling now or in 3 years’ time.
3 ways you can arrange a visit with us:
Email me direct on [email protected]
Text or WhatsApp me on 07833 246456
Call the team on 01844 399292
If you’d prefer a phone chat, just email your address and a few photographs, in complete confidence, and I’ll share my initial thoughts with you.
If we don’t hear from you in the next couple of months, we’ll catch up again in Q2, when everything will be a little bit greener and, hopefully, a little less chilly.
Warmly,
Darren Hunt MNAEA
Proud Sales Director and Founder, College and County Sales Ltd
PS. If you’ve just skipped straight to the end, here’s a quick summary: January started with a strong market in the £500k–1million price range. This momentum slowly spread to homes over £1million, which gives us a lot of optimism for the year. Trump could cause a challenge to this, but with interest rates falling, we hope for a strong end to Q1 and beginning to Q2 for high-value homes!