Are you a Rugeley homeowner considering a move in the next six to twelve months? Perhaps you’re a buy-to-let landlord weighing up whether to expand or streamline your portfolio? Or maybe you’re a first-time buyer wondering if now is the right time to take the plunge?
Whatever your position, understanding whether the Rugeley market currently favours buyers or sellers is crucial in making informed decisions.
For those who regularly follow my Rugeley property market updates, you’ll know that one of the best ways to determine whether we are in a buyers’, balanced, or sellers’ market is by analysing the proportion of properties marked as "Sold STC" or "Under Offer" compared to the total number of homes on the market.
Should You Allow Viewings from Buyers Who Haven’t Sold Their Home?
When you’re selling your property, deciding whether to let buyers view who haven’t yet sold their own home can be a tricky choice. There's no universal answer, but understanding the benefits and potential drawbacks can help you make the best decision for your circumstances.
Rugeley House Sales Up 21.4% as Interest Rates Fall
Big news for the property market! Last week, the Bank of England reduced interest rates to 4.5% – its third cut in under a year. This shift could mean lower mortgage costs, improved affordability, and increased confidence for buyers and sellers.
What’s Happening in the Market?
The UK housing market has been gaining momentum since January, with 98,978 homes sold subject to contract—an increase of 17.2% compared to the previous year. In the West Midlands, sales climbed by 14.5%, reflecting ongoing strength in the region.
When scrolling through property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, or OnTheMarket , you might notice that some Rugeley homes seem to sell quickly, while others remain on the market for weeks—or even months. It’s easy to assume there’s a problem—perhaps an unrealistic asking price, a lack of interest, or an issue with the property itself. However, that’s not always the case.
Sometimes, delays are down to poor marketing, unrealistic expectations, or even a change in the seller’s circumstances. If you’re selling a home in Rugeley, you may have asked yourself: "Why is this taking so long?" Whether your property is sitting on the market or you’re struggling to find your dream home, delays are often just part of the natural ebb and flow of the local property market.
But how long is too long?
An analysis of last year’s property market
and what will happen in 2025?
2024: A Strong Year for the Property Market
In 2024, the UK property market saw 1,230,136 homes sold subject to contract (STC) —a significant increase from 2023, where 1,066,212 properties sold STC. That’s a 15.4% rise !
For those who enjoy property stats:
The average UK property sold STC in 2023 was £354,981 (£331/sq.ft.).
In 2024, this rose slightly to £361,529 (£340/sq.ft.).
While house prices edged up, the real story is the surge in sales. It’s a reminder that the health of the property market isn’t just about prices—it’s also about the number of homes changing hands.
Over the last century, British households have steadily gotten smaller, and this shift is playing a major role in keeping the property market—and house prices—stable.
In Rugeley, as across the UK, smaller households are creating higher demand for homes, which supports property values and ensures long-term growth. Let’s dive into why this trend is so important and what it means for homeowners, buyers, and landlords.