London’s property market heats up – House prices surge as buyers race against SDLT deadline

The latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that in December 2024, the average house prices in the UK increased by 4.6% year-on-year, marking the fastest growth in two years. This sudden increase follows a series of interest rate cuts, including the Bank of England’s most recent reduction last month, which brought the base rate down to 4.5%. Lower rates have enticed more buyers to join the market, resulting in heightened activity.

Buyers are hurrying to meet the stamp duty deadline

The upcoming March 31 deadline for stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is a significant factor driving this increased activity. Rightmove’s most recent report shows that over 550,000 property transactions are in progress, representing a 25% increase from the previous year. The large number of transactions is causing delays in the conveyancing process, potentially creating a bottleneck as the deadline approaches.

Good market signs despite prices going up

Although house prices have increased sharply, there is still strong demand for housing. In February, the average asking prices in the UK rose by 0.5% (+£1,805), which means an extra £1,805 as per the Rightmove report. London, however, saw prices increase by 2.3% (+£15,844) month-on-month, surpassing the national average and indicating a strong demand for properties in the city.

Buyers and sellers feel confident, with an 8% increase in activity for buyers and a 13% increase for sellers. The number of confirmed sales is 15% greater than the previous year. Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in mortgage applications, with a 49% surge in Mortgage principal applications. Inflation is at 3%, but buyers might be more careful in the next few months.

London’s property market is at the forefront of the industry

According to predictions, London’s property market is expected to do better than the rest of the UK for the first time in ten years. In 2025, analysts at Hamptons forecast a 4% increase in property prices in London, while the national average is expected to be 3%. The year 2025 is expected to be especially appealing for buyers due to a sense of urgency driven by SDLT and further interest rate reductions.

Presenting exceptional new projects to international investors

Earlier this year, Benham and Reeves (B&R) together with RBC and Berkeley had an exclusive lunch seminar tailored for our VIP clients. The event provided a comprehensive update on the UK property market and marked the introduction of Trillium, an exceptional new development in London’s Zone 1. Offering a perfect blend of world-class amenities, unparalleled connectivity, and strong long-term growth potential, Trillium is set to become a sought-after investment opportunity.

The seminar explored key market insights, emerging investment trends, and strategic opportunities for investors looking to expand their portfolios with prime London properties.

The rental market is experiencing rapid growth

According to the ONS, average rental prices in London have seen an 11% rise, which is the most significant increase in the UK in the last year. This exceeds the 8.7% national rental inflation rate. In the capital, Kensington and Chelsea remain the priciest areas for renting, with average rents at £3,615 per month.

Even though more rental properties are available, demand is still high, with each property receiving an average of 10 applications, which is a 13% increase from last year. The market remains stable despite a 16% decrease in tenants looking to move. Furthermore, the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is expected to be passed into law soon, will have little impact at this point.

New buyers buying homes priced between £500,001 and £625,000 will feel the impact the most. Not meeting the SDLT deadline could lead to paying an extra tax surcharge of as much as £11,250. As a result, many are rushing to finish their purchases before the deadline.

What this means for Investors in Singapore?

Buyers in Singapore might find the current UK property market to be a compelling investment option. Now is an excellent time to invest in London’s property market, as prices are projected to continue to rise and rental yields are staying strong. The ongoing need for top-notch rental properties guarantees a consistent flow of potential tenants, making buy-to-let investments very profitable.

To take advantage of the current success in the London market, it’s beneficial to team up with a seasoned real estate agency and furnishing provider to boost rental returns and property worth. Contact us today to discover the top investment prospects in London.

Source – Rightmove housing report