A year ago, there was a lot of noise around interest rates, inflation, political uncertainty, changing legislation. Plenty of reasons for buyers, sellers and landlords to pause. What we actually saw through 2025 was a residential property market that didn’t disappear. For us at Dutch & Dutch, 2025 was about pricing properly, moving quickly and getting the fundamentals right.

More Choice

Choice has been the big factor. Buyers have had more options than they’ve seen for years, which has made competition between sellers fierce. As a result, buyers have gravitated towards homes that feel like an easier move.

That usually means:

  • Good condition
  • Minimal immediate work required
  • Fewer concerns around rising refurbishment and build costs
  • No obvious technical or legal complications

Anything that looks like risk, cost or delay tends to leave a property on the market without interest.

First Impression

One thing became very clear in 2025 - you only get one chance at a first impression.

With so much choice available, buyers make decisions quickly. Homes that are well-presented, realistically priced and properly prepared from day one consistently perform better.

With Dutch & Dutch’s approach, advice and pricing we’ve seen an average time on the market of 57 days and an average asking price achieved of 99.5%!

Rental Demand Remains Strong

On the lettings side, demand stayed robust throughout the year.

Despite ongoing economic pressures and the continued impact of legislation, tenants are still moving. Quality homes in good locations let well - particularly those that were well-maintained, sensibly priced and ready to move into. The average letting time for a Dutch & Dutch property was [ ] days - a phenomenal result in any market.

Speed mattered. Landlords who were organised, realistic and proactive saw far fewer voids than those who hesitated or were too bullish on rental level.

Bills, bills, bills….and an Act

2025 also marked a shift in how seriously landlords are now taking regulation.

The upcoming Renters’ Rights Act is now on every Landlord’s radar. Landlords who stay informed and prepared are in a far stronger position than those who leave it late.

Whether you’re working with an agent or managing yourself, understanding what’s changing - and how it affects you - is now essential, not optional.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Towards the end of the year, there was at least some positive news with the Bank of England reducing base rates to 3.75% in December. It’s unlikely to transform the market overnight, but it does point in the right direction and should help confidence as we head into 2026.

Combined with traditionally high portal traffic over the Christmas period, there’s genuine hope for a busy start to the new year - even if the recent Budget didn’t offer much direct support to buyers, sellers or landlords.

The residential team at Dutch & Dutch are looking forward to bringing the same energy, experience and straight-forward advice into the year ahead.