First week of housing market reopening in England – the stats so far
May 29, 2020
First week in the rental market
DEMAND
- Demand for rental property is up 33% compared to this time last year as the market reopens and renters jump into action, with Monday 18th May seeing the highest level of rental demand ever recorded in one day on Rightmove
STOCK & LET AGREED
- Almost 23,000 new rental listings have come to the market since the first day of reopening, down 10% on the same week last year
- Total available stock for rent is now up 13% since before lockdown
PRICES
- Asking rents are currently up 2.1% on 2019, down from an annual rate of 3% before lockdown. They are on average £1,089 per calendar month (for all of Great Britain)
BIGGEST RISERS
- Biggest increase in rental searches compared to last year are in Rotherham (+97%), Cambridge (+77%) and St Helens (+75%)
First week in the resale market
DEMAND
- Demand for property up for sale is now down just 7% compared to this time last year, and up 120% compared to the previous week
STOCK & SALES AGREED
- Almost 11,000 new sales listings have come to the market since the first day of reopening, 65% down on the same week last year although improving from 90% down during lockdown
- There is currently £230 billion worth of property currently on Rightmove, circa 95% of the housing market
- Total available stock for sale is down 2.5% since before lockdown
REDUCTIONS
- 1% of properties up for sale have been reduced over the past week, compared to 2% over the same week last year
- The average size of a reduction over the past week was 4.5%, the same size of a reduction as in the same week last year
ASKING PRICES
- Average asking prices of all property up for sale are up 2% on last year, the same as before the lockdown. The current average is £311,828 (for all of Great Britain)
BIGGEST RISERS
- Biggest increase in buyer searches compared to last year are Manchester (+60%), Liverpool (+54%) and Leeds (+38%)
TRAFFIC ON SITE
- On Tuesday 19th May Rightmove recorded the busiest day since Thursday 5th March, with almost 5.3 million visits, up 4% on the same day in May last year
Rightmove’s Housing Market expert, Miles Shipside, comments: “One week on from the surprise opening of the housing market and agents are still showing caution and quite rightly putting safety first, but many had already started to prepare during lockdown and so have been able to start reopening their branches and conducting viewings. The activity jump on Rightmove proves the determination of home-movers to continue with their plans over the next few months. The pause button put many of the usual metrics we report on out of kilter and so a week’s worth of data should only be taken as an early indication of activity, but it’s certainly encouraging.”
You May Also Enjoy
How to market to Estate Agents UK
The UK’s property sales and letting industry is quite sizable in both volume of work and those employed within. Some 25 million dwellings in England alone exist and there were estimated to be approximately 55,500 estate agents working in the United Kingdom as of the second quarter of 2024. Up and down the country, in…
Read More 
Preventative Measures to Reduce the Risk of Emergencies in a Rental Home
Ensuring that a rental home is safe and well-maintained is essential for both landlords and tenants. Emergencies in a rental property can lead to significant stress, financial loss, and potential damage. However, by implementing preventative measures, landlords and tenants alike can reduce the risk of emergencies and create a safer living environment. This guide provides…
Read More 
Understanding the Metrics Used by Estate Agents to Determine Your Home’s Worth
Determining the value of a property can sometimes feel like a complex process shrouded in mystery. However, understanding the various metrics and considerations that estate agents use to assess your home’s worth can demystify the process and empower you as a homeowner. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to the key factors estate agents…
Read More 
Breaking Property News 15/11/24
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Digital transformation of real estate drives profitability Press Release – London 14th November 2024 – Following the October budget, estate agents across the UK are seeking new ways to adapt to an evolving property market. Rising costs and shifting buyer expectations have driven a need…
Read More 
Labour’s Vision for Homeowners and Renters: Key Changes to Expect
The UK housing market continues to be a complex and often challenging landscape for both homeowners and renters. Labour’s vision for housing reform aims to address longstanding issues in affordability, security, and sustainability, setting out a series of policy proposals that could reshape the property market. Whether you are a homeowner, a renter, or an…
Read More 
The pros and cons of renting to students: is it the right choice for you?
Student properties are no different in term of quality and facilities than any other type of private rental. And although landlords may have to spend a fair amount on setting up and properly maintaining student lets, they can also charge a good market rent. To help you decide whether letting to students might be worthwhile…
Read More