Where property sales are down by a quarter and where they’re growing, mapped

19 hours ago

The housing market is struggling – with some areas of the UK seeing sales fall by over a quarter when compared to the five-year average.

Figures produced by estate agency Savills for The i Paper show agreed sales over the first eight months of the year were down 4 per cent on 2025, and 5 per cent down on the average of the last five years.

Although sales are down in virtually every region of the UK, some areas have been much worse hit than others.

For example, the number of agreed sales was down 12.4 per cent in Northern Ireland compared to recent averages, and 10.5 per cent in London.

Only in the North East, North West of England and Scotland have they increased compared to average.

The data appears to show that areas with higher property prices have seen the biggest falls in sales.

In areas where the average price is over £750,000, falls of 12 per cent have been seen, whereas in areas where the average price is under £200,000, there have been dips of just 1.1 per cent.

Of the top areas with the biggest increase in housing market activity, nine are in Scotland.

The other is in the North West of England.

The areas that have seen the biggest falls are more evenly spread, but are generally in bigger cities.

Why is Scotland faring so well?

Experts say that Scotland offers “relative affordability” compared to other parts of the UK, which is what is driving the improved housing sales there.

“The strength of activity in Scotland partly reflects where we are in the housing market cycle, the relative affordability it offers compared to other parts of the UK and a home buying process that reduces the risk of fall throughs,” said Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills.

Charlie Lamdin, founder of Best Agent and host of the Moving Home with Charlie YouTube channel, said there will “continue to be a gradual moving north as people in the south look for better value places to live”.

Lamdin said this could especially be the case for those downsizing.

He added that Scotland also hasn’t had quite as much political turmoil as the UK as a whole this year, which can dampen sentiment in the market. “Movers aren’t being quite as badly affected by that,” he said.

In contrast, Cook said many of the areas that are struggling previously are areas “where buy to let investors have driven activity”.

These areas – predominantly large cities – are not currently having the large influx of investment from landlords they once had, due to a combination of factors including high mortgage rates and new rental laws.

What to do if you’re struggling to sell

If you’re struggling to sell your property in the current market, there are steps experts say you can take.

Patrick Bullick, managing director of estate agency Stanley Property in London, said pricing was key in the current market, as many sellers were overpricing homes.

He said certain buyers would “only enquire when they see a property they think well-priced”.

“When pricing your property, give yourself a good talking to. Come up with the lowest figure you can imagine accepting. Then give yourself another talking to – and go lower,” he said.

Paula Higgins chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said there were other factors to consider after price too.

She said: “Make sure that potential buyers see your house in the best possible light. Consider your home’s kerb appeal – our survey found the most important features of kerb appeal were well-maintained windows and a roof that appeared in good condition. A well-maintained front garden, pathways and fences and a well-painted frontage were also important.

“You’ll also want the interior to be in the best condition it can be too: ideally free from clutter and with a fresh lick of neutral paint, and make any minor repairs – holes in walls, broken door knobs, cracked tiles, torn or threadbare carpets.”