Homebuyer activity across England is on the rise, with almost every county recording an increase in demand over the past year, according to new research from London estate agency Benham and Reeves.
The agency attributes the upturn to greater market stability and improvements in mortgage affordability, which have helped to reignite buyer interest across the country.
Analysing the number of homes marked as sold subject to contract (SSTC) between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, the study reveals that buyer activity has increased at an average quarterly rate of 3.7% across England.
Leading the charge is Lincolnshire, where the volume of homes securing a buyer has grown at an average rate of 6% per quarter — the highest increase recorded. Cumbria follows closely behind with a 5.9% quarterly rise, while Rutland ranks third with 5.5%.
Other high-performing counties include Cheshire (5.4%), Worcestershire (5.1%), Essex (5%), Oxfordshire (5%), East Riding of Yorkshire (4.9%), Leicestershire (4.9%), and Warwickshire (4.9%), all demonstrating robust and sustained buyer momentum.
In contrast, just two areas saw a decline in buyer activity over the same period. The City of London experienced the most significant drop, with a quarterly decrease of 6.2% in homes going SSTC, while Gloucestershire saw a more modest 2.9% fall.
Notably, Greater London appears to be defying the City’s downward trend, with buyer activity up by 3.6% per quarter on average — a sign that improving affordability and more accessible mortgage products are drawing buyers back into the capital’s wider housing market.
Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, said the research highlights a strong return of confidence among buyers: “Stability has been key in tempting buyers back into the fold over the last year and it’s clear that with interest rates stabilising and then falling, the resulting improvements to mortgage affordability have helped to drive the market forward,” he commented.
“With all but two counties seeing growth in buyer activity, it’s fair to say that confidence is returning to the market. If interest rates continue to fall as forecast, we expect this upward trend to gain further momentum throughout the year — a dynamic that could, in turn, support further house price growth.”
The findings offer fresh hope for sellers and agents alike after a period of economic uncertainty and sluggish transaction volumes. With mortgage rates easing and demand building, the property market appears to be regaining its footing as 2025 unfolds.
