The most recent Halifax House Price Index reveals a remarkably stable housing market given the wider economic challenges of the country. Average property prices have hit a new record high. However, the upward trend has been gradual and steady. Annual growth remains positive but has eased slightly. Despite increasing house prices, there’s good news for affordability for first time buyers with these properties falling slightly in price.
It's worth noting that there are considerable regional variations. As such, here we bring you information on the national housing market while sharing the relevant local Kent data, ensuring you’re well-informed, whether you’re a buyer or a seller.
Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, says,
“The story of the housing market in 2025 has been one of stability. Since January, prices have risen by less than £600, underlining how steady the market has been despite wider economic pressures.
While the wider economic picture remains uncertain, the housing market has shown over recent years that it can take these challenges in its stride.”
It’s typical that there is subdued activity over the summer months, and the most recent RICS data shows that this year is no exception. However, even with seasonal adjustment, UK home sales were up +1.1% in July according to HMRC property transaction data, showing that the resilience we’ve been witnessing is continuing, despite the seasonal pattern.
At the moment, national averages are pushed high by the North and Northern Ireland, so it’s also important that we take a closer look at the local market here in Kent.
Currently, there is a considerable North-South divide in house prices and trends. Upward pressure is considerable in the North, while in the South the picture is one of greater stability. However, prices in the South are considerably higher overall. As such, prices in Kent are broadly in line with the prices in the area in 2022. This stability is impressive given wider economic pressure.
Kent follows the overall pattern of the South East in terms of stability and resilience. However, it’s worth noting that the county consistently displays enormous variation between areas. Broadly speaking, East Kent tends to be more affordable than West Kent, but there are pockets of both affordability and extreme high prices across the county.
As with the rest of the country, in Kent there has been some welcome relief for first-time buyers. While it’s still harder to get on the property ladder than it once was, there are currently options to make it possible, especially as interest rates are steadily coming down, making fixed rate mortgages more attractive once more.
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