As autumn begins, the UK property market is in a particularly interesting position. September is often a busy time for home movers, with buyers returning from summer breaks and sellers aiming to secure deals before the end of the year and a move before Christmas.

While national headlines highlight mixed fortunes across the country, Lancashire’s property market continues to demonstrate resilience and value — with conditions creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers, although there is some looming concern about the Autumn budget and what this will mean for the market as a whole.

House Prices: Steady in a Competitive Market

Nationally, asking prices rose by 0.4% in September, the first monthly increase since May. Year-on-year, prices remain fractionally down (-0.1%), but the North West, and Lancashire in particular, has been more stable compared to southern regions where supply has surged.

In towns such as Preston, Blackburn, Chorley, and Burnley, demand for family homes and well-connected commuter properties is keeping prices steady. Well-presented sensibly priced homes in desirable school catchments or close to transport links are continuing to achieve strong offers in short time frames.

Mortgage Rates: A Welcome Boost for Buyers

Fixed-rate deals are now more competitive than they were a year ago, helping to unlock affordability, but a recent small rise in rates may cause hesitancy.

For first-time buyers, where property prices in some areas are still significantly below the national average, this presents a major opportunity.

This also creates opportunities for buyers looking to trade up within the region, as affordability ratios remain better here than in the South of England.

Rental Market: Strong Demand

Although rental inflation has slowed slightly across the UK, the North West rental market remains robust. Cities such as Preston continue to attract students and young professionals, while demand for family homes to rent remains high across towns and rural villages.

Landlords do, however, face a changing regulatory landscape. The Renters’ Rights Bill — including the proposed abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions — is progressing, and landlords must also pay closer attention to property condition standards under new hazard rules (including damp and mould regulations).

Despite these challenges, rental yields remain attractive, investors here can often achieve stronger returns thanks to lower purchase prices combined with healthy rental demand.

Seasonal Selling: Autumn Advantages

September and October are traditionally strong months for selling, with buyers motivated to complete transactions before the year ends.

Sellers can take advantage of relatively steady supply levels compared with oversaturated southern markets. Homes that are realistically priced and well-presented — with kerb appeal, tidy gardens, and warm interiors — stand out and can secure strong offers quickly.

Outlook for the Rest of 2025

Looking ahead, Lancashire and the wider North West are expected to remain more stable than many other UK regions. While national averages show only marginal movement in prices, the North West’s mix of affordability, demand, and investment potential makes it one of the country’s most balanced markets.

For buyers, the combination of lower mortgage rates and competitive pricing offers an attractive entry point. For sellers, Lancashire’s relative resilience compared to the South suggests that now is a good time to bring properties to market, provided pricing is sensible.

Final Thoughts

The property market this Autumn is characterised by affordability, strong rental demand, and resilience against wider market pressures despite the threat of change from the Government.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a family seller, or a landlord, the conditions this autumn provide both challenges and opportunities.

As always, success comes down to realistic pricing, careful preparation, and local expertise.

At Armitstead Barnett— and we are here to guide you through every step so give us a call!

Rightmove Autumn 2025 – Update – October 2025 housing market update | Property news