Insight: The Housing Market - July 2025

Much continues in a stable fashion with the most recent Halifax Price Index. In a tough economic climate, prices remain stable and the market’s resilience shines through. Predictions are that this resilience will bring continued modest house price growth throughout the rest of 2025.

Below we bring you a summary of the current property market, both nationally and in Kent. We help you understand what’s relevant to you, whether you’re a buyer or seller.

The Headline Stats and Facts

• Average selling price: £296,665 – almost the same as last month.
• Property price increases: Annual rate of growth is +2.5%.
• Interest rates: 4.25% (dropped from 4.5% on 08 May).
• Inflation: Broadly in line with last month, at 3.4%, but sitting consistently above the Bank of England target of 2%.
• RICS net balance score: RICS data shows a soft sales market. New buyer enquiries recorded a net balance of -26%. This is improved somewhat on last month. Agreed sales remain largely unchanged at -28%. Positively, the net balance for new instructions increased to +7%.

Kent-Specific Stats

• Average time on market: Properties in Kent currently spend an average of 163 days on the market, up +3% on this time last year.
• Number of properties for sale: The number of properties for sale is up +23% on this time last year, with 24,601 properties for sale.
• Average selling price in Kent: £428,827, staying steady with last month.

What Does This Mean?

Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, says,

“The market’s resilience continues to stand out and, after a brief slowdown following the spring stamp duty changes, mortgage approvals and property transactions have both picked up, with more buyers returning to the market. That’s being helped by a few key factors: wages are still rising, which is easing some pressure on affordability, and interest rates have stabilised in recent months, giving people more confidence to plan ahead.”

The reality is that the wider economic backdrop to the housing market does remain uncertain. Inflation is still above the Bank of England’s target of 2% and the labour market is facing notable challenges.

However, without a doubt, the housing market is robust. First-time buyer numbers have now returned to pre-stamp duty levels and nationally house prices are stable. We are unlikely to see large jumps in house prices over the rest of the year, but it is realistic to expect modest growth.

What About Kent?

Kent, along with the national housing market, has held steady in terms of prices over the last few months. While average prices in Kent are nearly double the national average, their pattern of change reflects the national picture. It’s also worth noting that average house prices in Kent hide the stark regional differences within the county. Extremely expensive locations, such as Ightham and Penshurst, see average prices many multiples greater than the cheapest areas, such as Queenborough. It’s therefore essential to look at the very precise Kent location that’s relevant to you.

Kent is seeing broadly similar buying and selling activity across property types at the moment. This presents a more stable picture than a few months ago where greater numbers of large detached properties were coming on the market, but demand was greatest for flats and small properties. Nonetheless, properties are taking slightly longer to sell than this time a year ago.

Your House Move

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