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A surge in supply, coupled with buyers’ sensitivity to higher borrowing costs, is putting significant downward pressure on prices.
• According to Rightmove, the average asking price in June 2025 fell by 0.3%, while newly listed sellers in July cut their asking prices by 1.2% — an unusually weak performance for the summer period. These declines are concentrated in higher-value regions such as Southern England and London.
• The key driver is a substantial increase in housing choice: the number of properties for sale is up about 14% compared with the same period last year, with London seeing an even larger rise of 16–19%. Buyers are no longer rushing to outbid competitors, instead using their improved bargaining power to negotiate lower prices, forcing sellers to cut to attract interest.

🏙️ Population Growth Continues to Drive Housing Demand
Reading’s population is steadily increasing, with the Reading Chronicle reporting a current figure of around 182,907 residents. Official data from the ONS and Reading Borough Council confirms consistent growth, with the local population exceeding 178,000, and even higher when surrounding towns and suburbs are included.
So, what’s attracting people to Reading? A combination of thriving businesses, excellent transport links, and strong appeal to students and young professionals.
👉 What this means for landlords: More people = more demand for housing. Whether it’s students, young professionals, or growing families, Reading’s rental market remains very active.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about how some of the UK’s largest estate agencies are operating. The report revealed that certain agents were prioritising buyers who agreed to use in-house financial or legal services—rather than acting in the best interests of the sellers they represent. In some cases, sellers missed out on better offers, resulting in delayed sales or significant financial loss.
As a professional estate agent who values transparency and integrity, I want to help property owners understand how to identify the right agency—one that truly works for them. Below are essential tips to protect yourself from unfair practices and ensure a smoother, more profitable sales journey.

In recent months, the UK has seen a surge in shocking rental scams, and disturbingly, many of these involve legitimate Airbnb or privately rented properties being misused by fraudsters.
What’s most concerning? Scammers are not just inventing fake listings—they’re hijacking real properties owned by unsuspecting landlords or Airbnb hosts.
These real-life stories should serve as a wake-up call for every property owner and host.

As a letting agent, one of the most common questions we hear from landlords is: “Will I still be able to refuse pets in my rental property when the new Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law?”

It’s a fair concern. The rules around pets in rental properties are changing, and landlords need to understand their rights and responsibilities moving forward.

Let’s break down what the current law says, what’s changing, and what landlords can do to protect their property while staying compliant.

As a landlord, it’s almost certain that you or your managing agent will need to access the rental property during the tenancy—whether for repairs, inspections, legal compliance, or viewings. However, just because you own the property doesn’t mean you can enter whenever you like.
Let’s break down when you can access your rental, when you can’t, and what to do if a tenant refuses entry.

A client recently raised a highly practical and insightful question that I believe is worth sharing with a wider audience:

It is common for Hongkongers to purchase UK property before emigrating, often through international property exhibitions. Influenced by the urban design of Hong Kong, many favour apartments built above shopping arcades or restaurants, believing them to be convenient and practical.

A property owner from Hong Kong recently shared with us a frustrating experience involving the sale of their UK property.

The latest RICS Residential Property Survey for April 2025 highlights several important shifts in the UK housing market. While current conditions are somewhat subdued, notable opportunities are emerging for property investors who take a strategic, medium-to-long-term view.