The UK property market began 2025 on a strong note, as new data from TwentyEA reveals more than 140,000 properties were listed in January—marking the highest monthly total in a decade and a 7.3% increase compared to January 2024.
In tandem, sales agreed climbed to just under 100,000 for the month, up 17.1% year-on-year, underscoring both rising supply and growing demand.
New listings rose across all price bands, with mid to higher-priced homes (£350,000–£1m) recording a 12% jump. Inner London and the East Midlands led regional growth in instructions, each posting an 11.3% increase. Meanwhile, nearly 100,000 sales were agreed in January—the largest January figure since 2021—driven by an uptick in the East Midlands (+27.2%) and the East of England (+26.8%). Higher-end homes likewise saw the biggest boost in demand, up by 28%.
Katy Billany, executive director at TwentyEA, attributes the market’s confidence to two interest rate cuts last year and the expectation of further easing. “Transactions in 2024 topped 1.1 million, which is 7.3% up on 2023,” Billany notes, pointing out that the current spate of new listings and sales should keep estate agents busy in the months ahead.
Demand for detached houses jumped by 18.4% compared to last year, while flats saw a slight dip. Overall average instruction prices in January slipped 0.6% year-on-year—although they remain 24% higher than in 2019. The North East registered the biggest annual price hike at 9.9%, whereas Inner London’s average fell by 13.9%.
Price reductions also hit a record high at over 93,000 in January, but only 36.6% of listings had a price reduction—down from 38.5% a year earlier—suggesting sellers may be more pragmatic.
Despite the buoyant numbers, homes are staying on the market longer: an average of 90 days compared to 84 days in January 2024. Properties worth £1 million or more are taking the longest, at 127 days on average. Regionally, the South East saw the sharpest climb in average selling time, up by 14% (equating to 11 extra days).
Analysts say the year is off to a promising start, with rising interest in larger properties, subdued pricing in key areas, and sellers who appear increasingly open to adjusting their price points in response to a more competitive market.
