Comment

Summer is traditionally seen as the quiet season for property, with holidays, school breaks, and seasonal distractions keeping buyers and sellers off the market. This year, nearly half of agents (43%) reported a noticeable slowdown – but interestingly, a quarter hadn’t seen any dip at all.

Looking beyond perceptions, the numbers tell a different story. Over the past five years, summer has consistently accounted for just under a quarter of all transactions, with an average of 292,680 sales—only 2% below the busier autumn months. In other words, while activity may feel slower, the market rarely hits pause. For anyone watching trends, it’s a reminder that even during the “quiet” months, demand and movement remain remarkably steady.

Sources: Bank of England, Rightmove, Dataloft by PriceHubble, ONS, UK HPI, Zoopla, Halifax

Local Market Roundup

The latest land registry data for the past twelve months reported  3728 total transactions across the WR postcode area reflecting  a 13% decline compared to the previous year.

Worcester recorded 1637 transactions down 14%, while Malvern saw 507  transactions down 19%. In Droitwich transactions fell by 15% to 404 transactions.

Over the same period the average sale price across the WR region increased by 2% to  £295,874. Houses represented 89%  of total sales, averaging £ 322,857 while flats making up the remaining 11% averaged a sale price of £148,712.

Malvern’s average sale price rose by 6% to £311,557. Droitwich saw a 1% decrease to £284,422 and Worcester’s average increased slightly by 2% to £265,264.

The increase in average sales prices over the last five years  is show below

Over the past year, the average rent for properties in Worcestershire increased to £926   per month, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the previous twelve months. Flats, which accounted for 42% of the rental market averaged £773 per month, while houses making up 58% achieved an average of £1051 per month.

In Droitwich rents climbed by 8% to an average of £884 per month with flats averaging £687 per month and houses £1038.

Malvern experienced at 6% change on the previous 12 months with average rents reaching £1076  with flats at £ 893 and £1212 per month for houses.

Worcester’s average rent reached £896 per month representing a  5% increase with the average rental value of £787  for flats and houses at £1012 per month,

Source: Dataloft Market Rental Analysis (rental data is limited and based on achieved rents for approximately 10-15% market share, depending on location)

National Market

House prices continue to show steady, if modest, growth. The average property price reached £269,079 in June, up 3.7% compared with the same time last year. At the same time, average asking prices fell slightly by 1.3% to £368,740, aligning with the 10-year August average. Rightmove has adjusted its price forecast for 2025 from 4% growth to 2%, reflecting how strong competition among sellers is tempering price rises. For buyers, this could create opportunities to negotiate, while sellers face a market where strategy and presentation are increasingly important.

Economy

The Bank of England’s cut to 4% has brought borrowing costs to their lowest level in more than two years, offering a potential boost for buyers and investors. Economic growth remains modest, with June’s GDP up 0.4% after slight dips in the preceding months, while inflation edged up to 3.8% in the year to July. For the property market, lower interest rates could help support demand, particularly for those looking to remortgage or enter the market, even as rising prices continue to shape affordability.

Lettings Market

The rental market across the WR postcode area has continued to gain momentum over the past 12 months, with the average rent now reaching £926 per month—a 7% increase on the previous year.

Interestingly, younger renters are driving a substantial portion of demand, with 21% of tenants aged between 25 and 29. These figures suggest a market that is both dynamic and diverse, catering to a mix of young professionals seeking flats and families or sharers opting for larger houses. For landlords, the trends point to strong rental yields, while tenants face a competitive environment where securing the right property is key.

Our Lettings Manager, James Gwynne, is here to support both new and existing landlords, especially those looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of legislation and compliance. To help landlords stay ahead of these changes, we’re hosting a Landlord Seminar on 9th October – the perfect opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and ensure your portfolio remains compliant and profitable.

If you’re a landlord with questions, our experienced lettings manager, James, is here to offer valuable insights and support. James has also recently released his book, Home, a comprehensive guide for current landlords and those looking to invest in property. You can purchase a copy, available in both paperback and Kindle, by clicking here.  

Community News

Thinking about buying your first home?

Or helping your children take their first step onto the property ladder?

Join us for an exclusive event designed for first-time buyers and parents at our Droitwich office. Our experts from Nicol & Co & Mindful Financial Planning will share practical advice on:

✔️ Releasing equity to support a deposit
✔️ Understanding credit checks and improving your score
✔️ Smart tips to get mortgage-ready
✔️ Investment know-how to make the most of your money

Whether you’re preparing to buy your very first home, or looking to support your children with theirs, this event will give you the tools and confidence to make informed decisions.

📅 Saturday 20^th September
📍 Nicol & Co, 226 Worcester Road, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8AY
🎟️ Free to attend – spaces are limited, so reserve your place today email [email protected]

Market Insight

This market update draws from a range of trusted sources to provide you with clear, evidence-based insights to guide your property decisions. Our team is committed to staying updated on latest market trends and legislative changes, ensuring you have the most current and relevant information.

If you’re thinking of making a move, this update offers valuable insights to help guide your decision-making. Our expert mortgage advisors are on hand to provide personalised advice, helping you determine whether moving or remortgaging is the best option for you. We’re here to ensure you make informed choices for a seamless transition in the year ahead. For more information, click here. 

Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to assist you in making informed property decisions and navigating your property journey.

For additional insights, follow us on social media, where we share regular updates, including our weekly Mortgage Watch, available on the Nicol & Co Instagram page @nicolandco_estateagents or through @Matt_the_Agent.

Community News