Buyer demand climbed in Q1 ahead of pandemic market freeze

April 24, 2020

The latest buyer demand index from GetAgent.co.uk has revealed that buyer demand climbed in Q1 of this year, up 2% when compared to the previous year and on the previous quarter alone, while in London demand lifted by 7% annually and 3% quarter to quarter. Both nationally and in London, Q1 of this year saw demand exceed levels seen throughout all quarters of 2019.

See the full data tables here.

Using data from the major property portals, GetAgent.co.uk looked at where has seen the largest levels of buyer demand across the UK’s most populated towns and cities, based on the total level of the stock listed for sale and the ratio that has already gone under offer or sold subject to contract.

Most in-demand

Where current buyer demand is concerned, Falkirk (65%), Bristol (62%), Dartford (61%), Glasgow (60%) and Sheffield (59%) were the hottest markets pre-pandemic lockdown, whilst Derry (+12%), Belfast (+8%), Basingstoke (+7%), Birkenhead (+6%) and High Wycombe (+6%) enjoyed the largest quarterly uplift when compared to the end of last year.

On an annual basis, Woking (+15%), High Wycombe (+12%), Bristol (+10%), Basildon (+10%) and Reading (+9%) had enjoyed the largest bump in buyer demand when compared to the first quarter of last year.

In London, Bexley (64%), Waltham Forest (57%) and Havering (54%) were amongst the most in-demand boroughs with buyers, with Ealing (+11%), Southwark (+7%) and Bromley (+7%) enjoying the largest uplift on the previous quarter.

Ealing and Waltham Forest also enjoyed some of the biggest increases on an annual basis, up +14% and +13% respectively.

See all data tables for most in-demand areas here.

Least in-demand

Aberdeen remains the least in-demand location for homebuyer demand by far, at just 7% in the first quarter of this year. Blackpool (25%), Stockton-on-Tees (26%), Darlington (27%) and Middlesbrough (29%) were also amongst some of the areas for the lowest buyer demand.

Despite a wider Boris market bounce, Exeter (-5%), Hove (-4%) and Dudley (-3%) saw the largest decline in buyer demand when compared to quarter four of last year, while despite a strong quarterly uplift, Derry saw the largest decline when compared to the start of last year at -12%.

The City of London (10%) was the least in-demand borough for current demand, joining Camden (-2%) with the largest quarterly decline, as well as seeing the largest annual drop at -8%.

See all data tables for least in-demand areas here.

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Hertfordshire emerges as strongest performing London commuter county

New research from UK Property Development reveals that while London property prices fell by more than -3% in the past year, prices in some of the capital’s surrounding counties have enjoyed positive growth, none more so than the premium commuter county of Hertfordshire.   In the past year, London’s average house price has fallen by…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Second homes losing appeal among the rich

New Survey Reveals Ongoing Maintenance Is the Biggest Barrier to Second Home Ownership   62% say upkeep and hassle would stop them from buying a second home, even if money were no object   A new survey conducted by luxury co-ownership platform Equity Residences has revealed that the practical realities of owning a second home…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

How to build a property portfolio with buy-to-let mortgages

One of the reasons property is such a popular asset choice for investors is that you don’t need to invest all the money yourself; you can leverage funds from the bank. Here’s a very simplistic example of how borrowing via a buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage allows you to multiply your returns versus owning a property all-cash:…
Read More →
Home and Living

2026’s Fastest-Growing Bathroom Trend Is the Wet Room

“Wet rooms have become one of the standout bathroom upgrades of 2026, moving from luxury extra to everyday renovation choice as more homeowners prioritise space, style and easy cleaning. The momentum is only building as spa‑style bathrooms stay in demand.” “Wet rooms used to be a niche request,” says Ant Langston, Marketing Manager at Heat…
Read More →
Home and Living

Homebuyers could cut energy bills by £400 a year

As the energy price cap keeps rising, the latest research from Yopa reveals that buying a new-build home could save homebuyers as much as £450 a year on their energy bills. With the energy price cap forecast to increase again over the coming year, many households are preparing for further pressure on their finances as…
Read More →
Breaking News

Zoopla House Price Index Reaction

The latest index from Zoopla shows that: – First-time buyers are targeting homes worth £10,000 more than a year ago, with average prices up 4.3% to £254,750 – nearly 3x the rate of UK house price growth There are 6% fewer first time buyers in the market than this time last year, but those that…
Read More →