A Great Time to Move? The Market Says Yes!
Summer Housing Update from JW Wood Estate Agents
Despite ongoing headlines about market uncertainty, we’re seeing an encouraging picture on the ground—and if you're thinking about buying or selling, now is a smart time to act.
At JW Wood, we’ve seen strong activity across County Durham and the North East, with plenty of great homes coming to market, increased buyer engagement, and sellers pricing sensibly to secure a successful move. Here’s a closer look at what’s really happening in the market right now.
Homes for Sale – More Choice, More Sales
According to the latest national data, there are more homes available for sale than at any time in the past decade—which is fantastic news for buyers looking for variety and value. And while average asking prices dipped slightly by 0.3% in June, this has been driven largely by increased supply and sellers making competitive pricing decisions to attract serious buyers.
This small shift is not a sign of weakness, but rather a healthy, responsive market—one where well-presented, realistically priced homes are still selling fast. In fact, June saw the highest number of sales agreed in a single month since March 2022.
If you’re looking to move, this is a rare window: sellers are motivated, buyers have choice, and the conditions are balanced for fair, well-negotiated deals.The Local Picture – Resilience in the North East
While price reductions have mostly been seen in higher-priced southern markets like London and the South East, more affordable northern regions—like ours—have continued to see modest price growth.
At JW Wood, we’re seeing homes in Durham, Chester-le-Street, Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas attracting strong interest. With mortgage lenders offering competitive deals and interest rates expected to fall gradually, the North East remains one of the best-value regions in the UK for both first-time buyers and upsizers.
Sellers: Realistic Pricing Is Key
With more homes on the market, buyers are more price-aware than ever. That’s why we guide all our clients to price realistically from the outset. This doesn’t mean underselling—it means understanding what local buyers are prepared to pay and positioning your home to stand out.
We offer free, no-obligation valuations, backed by over 20 years of experience in your area. We won’t inflate prices to win an instruction. Instead, you’ll get honest advice and tailored guidance to help your home achieve its best result
Rental Market: Glimmers of Stability
For those in the rental sector, there are some early signs of stabilisation too. While demand still exceeds supply, the number of rental properties available has reached a two-year high, according to Propertymark. Rent increases are slowing, and more balance could return to this market if current trends continue.
However, with ownership currently offering strong long-term value, many renters are now exploring the possibility of buying—especially given the greater choice and negotiating power available to buyers today.
The Bottom Line
Is now a good time to move? Absolutely.
We’re in a rare position where sellers are motivated, buyers have options, and mortgage deals are improving. The market may evolve later this year as broader economic conditions shift, but right now, the housing market is proving remarkably resilient.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, the team at JW Wood is here to help—with local insight, honest advice, and proven results.
Book Your Free Valuation Today
Ready to see what your home is worth? Or want to browse the latest listings?
Contact your local JW Wood branch or visit valuation.jww.co.uk to get started.
Adapted from Zoopla and Move IQ