Barnet & Whetstone Market Update – October 2025
It’s Halloween — pumpkins, ghosts, ghouls… and headlines about a “dead” housing market.
But while the press loves a scary story, the reality in many places is quite different. As your local estate agent, I’m seeing real movement in the market and genuine buyer activity. It may not be a wild sprint, but a steady march nonetheless. Let me walk you through what the latest data are really showing — and how that matters if you’re thinking of selling or buying
- According to the Rightmove House Price Index (HPI): average asking price is £371,422, up +0.3% month-on-month but down -0.1% year-on-year.
- Year-to-date, “sales agreed” are up +5% compared to the same period in 2024, showing genuine buyer interest.
- In September, the asking price rose by +0.4% month-on-month to £370,257 – the first uptick since May.
- Regional note: London asking prices are down approx 1.4% annually, while many northern / more affordable regions are recording growth of +1% or more.
⚠️ Why the Press Sounds Negative — But Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
- The typical “autumn bounce” in asking prices (historical +1.1% for October) has not materialised — this year only +0.3%.
- Buyer enquiries and new seller listings are reportedly down 5% compared with this time last year.
- Much of the “negative press” focuses on property tax reforms, the upcoming Autumn Budget 2025 and higher supply, which are causing some caution among market participants.
📍 Implications for Barnet / North London Sellers & Buyers
- For sellers: There are buyers in the market — but they are more selective and value conscious. Listing at a realistic price from day one is critical to avoid your property becoming stale.
- For buyers: This is a window of opportunity — more choice and less aggressive upward momentum mean you can make strategic moves.
- For the higher-value / London market (including Barnet): Pay special attention to pricing — with London showing a small annual decline, being slightly off-the-mark on price might mean longer time on market or lower offers.
- Reminder: With the Autumn Budget approaching, some buyers and sellers are pausing to “see what happens”. Acting before potential tax changes may give you an edge.
Additional market insight:
Savills has revised its 2025 house-price growth forecast down to just +1.0%, citing subdued buyer confidence and uncertainty over tax changes.
What that means for you: the market is active, but sellers need to approach it with realism and buyers have genuine opportunities.
🎃 Halloween-Day Tie-in
“No tricks, just treats – the market isn’t dead, and there are still buyers lurking around. But if you price your property like you’re expecting ghost-town demand, you may discover your listing becomes the ghost of past valuations.”
By Elliot Thunder-Blair, Hunters Estate Agents