Details: Published: 18 August 2025; Hits: 1954

The Bank of England (BoE) has announced it will reduce the Base Rate to 4% this month ( 7.8.25) a reduction of 0.25% - the third this year.

Over the past twelve months, the property market has been shaped by one factor more than any other: interest rates. Rising costs of borrowing have influenced buyer confidence, affected affordability, and in many cases slowed transactions. However, after a prolonged period of increases, the tide is finally turning. Rates have begun to ease, and while the reductions are cautious rather than dramatic, they are providing much-needed relief for homeowners and prospective buyers alike.

This change marks a shift in tone. Where once the conversation was dominated by concerns over escalating monthly repayments and tightening affordability, today we are starting to see renewed optimism. But what do these changes really mean, both now and over the next two years?

A YEAR OF TRANSITION

Over the last year, central banks gradually adjusted their approach. Having raised rates to combat inflation, they are now adopting a more balanced stance. Inflation has cooled from its peaks, and with that cooling comes the ability to soften the burden on households.

As a result, mortgage rates have edged downwards. This does not mean a return to the ultra-low levels of the early 2020s, when borrowing costs dipped to historic lows. Instead, what we are seeing is a move away from the painful highs of 2022 and 2023, towards a more sustainable middle ground.

For homeowners, the effect is tangible. Monthly repayments for those remortgaging today are already more manageable than they were even six months ago. For buyers, lenders are showing slightly greater flexibility, meaning mortgage approvals are becoming a touch more accessible.

Locally, this has translated into renewed movement in areas such as the general Sutton Coldfield and suburbs areas asl well as Great Barr, where family homes are once again drawing stronger levels of enquiry. Similarly, Four Oaks and Little Aston have seen renewed interest from upsizers, with larger detached properties becoming more attainable as borrowing costs ease.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR AFFORDABILITY?

The direct impact of falling interest rates is improved affordability. For example:

A £250,000 mortgage rate a couple of years ago 6% over 25 years equates to a monthly repayment of around £1,610.

Reduce that rate to 4% and the repayment drops to around £1,320.

That £290 saving per month adds up to nearly £3,500 per year – a game-changer for many households.

You can check the current average mortgage rates for different terms and deposit sizes here.

For first-time buyers in particular, this shift can make the difference between passing or failing a lender’s affordability check. For families looking to upsize, the improved figures bring larger homes within reach.

THE OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS

Analysts broadly agree that we are unlikely to see a return to the aggressive rate hikes of the past couple of years. Central banks are expected to take a cautious path, keeping rates at sustainable levels while monitoring inflation.

What this suggests is a period of relative stability. Rates may fluctuate within a narrow band, but the overall trend is expected to be flat to gently downward. This stability is crucial for the housing market, where confidence depends on predictability.

For buyers, the next two years represent an opportunity to secure finance with greater certainty. For sellers, a more confident buyer pool should translate into stronger demand and quicker transactions. For investors, stability offers reassurance, making property once again an attractive option compared to more volatile investments.

Here in Sutton Coldfield, stability also means consistency in demand. Popular family areas such as Walmley, Wylde Green, and Boldmere are expected to remain resilient, with properties well-placed to attract buyers who had previously been hesitant.

If you’re thinking of moving home soon, a good way to find out how much you could borrow is to use our mortgage calculator. You can get a personalised result by applying for a Mortgage in Principle This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , which will take you one step closer to a mortgage offer.

BUYER CONFIDENCE RETURNING

One of the most significant impacts of lower rates is psychological. During the peak of rising rates, many buyers chose to sit on the sidelines, uncertain of where the market was heading. Now, with the tide turning, those same buyers are returning.

Agents are already reporting more enquiries from first-time buyers who had paused their plans, as well as from upsizers who were waiting for conditions to improve. The sense that “the worst is behind us” is powerful in restoring momentum to the market.

In practical terms, this means more viewings, more offers, and more successful sales being agreed. For example, over recent weeks we have seen renewed demand for starter homes in Erdington and Kingstanding, as well as steady interest in executive homes across Four Oaks and Streetly. You can read more about how lenders calculate affordability for mortgages here.

SELLERS: A TIMELY OPPORTUNITY

For sellers, the current environment presents a valuable window. A more confident buyer pool means more viewings, stronger offers, and ultimately a higher chance of achieving a successful sale.

INVESTORS AND LANDLORDS

The easing of interest rates also has implications for the buy-to-let sector. Many landlords felt the squeeze during the period of rising rates, with higher mortgage costs eroding yields. Now, with borrowing costs softening, yields are beginning to recover.

For investors considering expanding their portfolios, the coming period could be an attractive entry point. Rental demand remains high, particularly in commuter-friendly areas such as Great Barr and Erdington, and with financing stabilising, the numbers are starting to stack up once again.

LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE

While today’s interest rates are lower than recent highs, they remain above the record lows of a few years ago. This is an important point for both buyers and sellers.

The era of ultra-cheap borrowing may be behind us, but what we are seeing now is a new normal – one that is sustainable, balanced, and less vulnerable to shocks. In many ways, this is healthier for the property market, as it avoids the distortions created by artificially low rates while still keeping borrowing affordable.

IN SUMMARY

Looking ahead, stability is expected to be the theme of the next two years. For anyone considering a move – whether buying, selling, or investing – now may well be the right time to act.

At Acres, we are already seeing the benefits of renewed confidence across Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Walmley, Boldmere, and Great Barr. If you are thinking about making your move, our team would be delighted to guide you through the process — whether that means arranging a free market valuation, discussing mortgage options, or helping you find your next home.

Please note: Acres Estate Agents are not authorised to give financial advice; the information and opinions provided in these articles are not intended to be financial advice and should not be relied upon when making financial decisions. Please seek advice from our specialist mortgage division https://acres-fs.co.uk/contact .  

Want more tips and advice? We love being able to help! Acres Estate Agents are your local, family owned and run property experts for the Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr areas. Call your local office on the numbers below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can help you.

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks 0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101

Walmley 0121 313 2888

Great Barr 0121 358 6222

Lettings 0121 312 4997

Mortgages 0121 387 1616

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale.

Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners

Details: Published: 17 August 2025; Hits: 2558

In the blink of an eye it is Autumn, the trees are full of beautiful reds and golds and the first waft of coal fire smoke is in the air in later September.

As always we are taking calls from family buyers looking for larger homes, however there has been a real up swing, as expected. Clients like to buy in autumn, spring and early summer.

We find that buyers with children tend not to house hunt during the school holidays. After all, when the sun is shining, people are away, life is busy thus leaving little time for viewing homes.

It’s also worth remembering how stressful viewing a home can be, with children who just want to be playing / elsewhere. Instead, parents tend to wait until the children return to school, so they can view homes a little easier. But there is more to it than convenience alone; psychology of space can come into play too.

During the summer of course kids often spend much more time outdoors. Whilst their children are busy playing in the garden it’s easy for parents to feel their home is bigger than it is. As a result, ‘upsizers’ tend not to feel as squeezed for space in the warmer months.

But as the nights begin to draw in, the house begins to feel crowded, meaning parents once again are looking for a change and a larger home in which to grow.

House hunters searching in September and October tend to be keener to make an early decision. After all, everybody wants to settle in ready to start enjoying their new home in time for Christmas. In fact, ‘a quiet and settled Christmas’ can be a real driving factor. Buyers are more motivated than ever to get the deal done. Indeed Rightmove confirm an increase in traffic numbers to their website at this time of year.

With that in mind, let’s explore the reasons why selling in September is a great time.

Motivated buyers

Buyers who start looking for a home in September are generally planning to be moved in by Christmas, particularly if they’re looking to host family and friends in their new home.

As a result, they see December as a self-imposed deadline, which can encourage them to make an offer quickly and also do their best to speed up the buying process.

School admission deadline dates

Did you know, many school admission deadline dates fall towards the year end, with placements offered in the New Year. Schools are a key reason why many families move home. For these people, they need to be moved into the area in order to have the best possible chance of getting into their preferred school. These families tend to start house hunting as soon as the summer holidays end.

Focus on those cosy features

September is a time when gardens become less of a must-have. Buyers still love them, but homes which struggle with outside space sell much better in September as buyers mindset turns towards cosy features such as open fires and wood-burning stoves. If you have one, make sure yours is lit for any photos & viewings !

The kids are back at school

This is the most obvious reason of them all. Both home sellers and home buyers with families delay any moving plans because of the Summer holidays. Come September, the kids are back at school and they have much more free time. Houses become easier to keep tidy. Potential buyers appear more relaxed, many choosing to view when the kids are actually in school!

You’re more likely to get a higher offer, or the asking price

Research shows that September is a strong month for buyers, with property searches very high, compared to November and December for example.

This means more potential buyers for your property, which in turn means more competition among buyers. When you consider the fact that there are more motivated buyers too, it can create a perfect storm for sellers. Indeed, with interest rates falling and anticipation of a busy autumn market this is more likely.

Delaying marketing may lead to your property becoming “ stale “

It’s also worth noting that if you list your house during a quieter Winter months it might stay on sale for longer. This may lead to buyers questioning why, and perhaps going in with a lower offer than they’d otherwise be making.

Are There Other Good Months To Sell?

The Spring is still considered by many people to be the best time to sell. Houses that come on to the market then tend to sell quickly, there are several reasons why it’s considered to be a good time.

The weather’s getting milder, which encourages buyers to go and view houses
Gardens are coming into bloom
The evenings are starting to get lighter, so buyers can see a house in its best light
There’s usually plenty of buyers in the market for a new home
Kids are still in school, so busy parents have more time to view properties

However, it’s worth remembering that different times of the year can appeal to different buyers.

On the flip side, first-time buyers and young couples may wait until the new year to start looking, with the aim of being in their new home in time for the summer, when they can host friends and family into the evening, with no kids to think about!

Are you considering moving home? If so, September could be the ideal time for you. In previous years the property portals and new coverage has reported increase in traffic numbers. If you would like to discuss selling your home in September, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams / offices :

Four Oaks 0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101

Walmley 0121 313 2888

Great Barr 0121 358 6222

Thank for reading and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners

Details: Published: 06 August 2025; Hits: 15913

Modern Method of Auction explained

As the ‘modern method of auction’, also known as conditional auctions, becomes a more common way of selling property, we look at what sellers and buyers need to beware of.

What is the Modern Method of Auction ( MMoA ) ?

The Modern Method of Auction is a type of property auction you can use to sell or buy a house. Buying and selling with online property auctions offers some advantages on both sides.

Sellers benefit from online property auctions because a substantial reservation fee must be paid upfront by the purchaser so there’s far less chance of them pulling out than with the traditional no sale no fee route.

Added peace of mind

For buyers it gives added peace of mind as once you’ve agreed a sale and paid the Reservation Fee, the property is exclusively reserved for you. Unlike Private Treaty where you're often left worrying the seller might change their mind or accept another offer.

It gives buyers the chance to purchase a property quickly and with no chain. But there are some potential pitfalls for buyers and sellers to consider. Read on for more.

Modern Method of Auction vs traditional house auctions: What’s the difference?

There are a number of key differences between the Modern Method of Auction and a traditional house auction:

Conditional vs unconditional: A traditional auction is an unconditional sale process; once the hammer falls you’ll need to exchange contracts and usually pay a 10% deposit. You’ll then usually need to pay the rest a month later. By comparison, Modern Method of Auction is a conditional sale process. The winning bidder pays a reservation fee at the end of the auction. This gives them an exclusive period in which to buy the house but it’s not legally binding. They’ll have 28 days to exchange contracts and a further 28 days to complete.

Longer bidding period: Unlike a traditional auction where bidding happens on a fixed date and time, with the Modern Method of Auction, properties are advertised online, often for around 30 days. Buyers can usually bid online at any time within this period, just like eBay, with the highest bid at the end of the auction winning. However, unlike Ebay if buyer leave bidding to the last moment an extra few minutes is added to the auction, giving other opportunity to bid, just like in an auction room “ any other bids before the auction ends “

Mortgages: It’s easier to buy a house via the Modern Method of Auction with a mortgage, as assuming there aren’t any problems, you’ll have longer to arrange your mortgage

Clear and transparent process

Our Buyer Information Pack contains material information and other vital details about the property upfront – you can access this straight away, making for a clear and transparent purchase from the very beginning.

Not just for cash buyers

With MMoA there's time to arrange finance, so you can purchase with a mortgage (subject to lending criteria, affordability and survey). Auction is more accessible than before; for first time buyers, or investors.

Fast and efficient purchasesThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our routes include the 56-day* Modern Method of Auction, or Traditional Auction, which offers completion in 28-days. Both offer a faster transaction than Private Treaty, which can take over 100-days^.

Do you have a property to sell via Auction and are interested to get a valution and more information if so This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

https://www.iamsold.co.uk/estate-agent/acres/ Click here to visit Acres Auction webpage

Who pays Modern Method of Auction fees?

Modern Method of Auction fees are paid by the buyer of the house. Usually an online auction house is working in partnership with an estate agent for example Acres, they will usually split the fee between them. By comparison, with a traditional house sale, the seller pays the estate agent’s fees.

Selling via online property auction: How it works - This is the process involved:

Setting the price

If you’re selling by the Modern Method of Auction, your estate agent should visit your property then give you an ‘Auction Appraisal’, which will contain information including the suggested guide price. You’ll also need to decide on your reserve price; this is the lowest you’re prepared to accept. It will be kept confidential. The only prices anyone else sees are the starting and actual bids.

Remember, your property may end up selling for less than the price it’s marketed at. So you need a very clear sense of what you are prepared to part with it for. You should resist pressure to set the reserve too low simply to achieve an easy sale.

Getting prepared

You’ll need to take the usual steps when selling a house such as liaising with your estate agent about photographs and a floor plan. You’ll also need to make sure the house has an Energy Performance Certificate.

But when you’re selling via the Modern Method of Auction, you’ll also need to get a legal pack prepared and this can cost up to £450. However, some or all of this cost is sometimes passed onto the buyer, so check the contract for details of this.

The Modern Method of Auction legal pack may include:

The Title Register and Plan from HM Land Registry

Conveyancing searches

Any special conditions of sale, such as any of the seller’s legal fees or disbursements payable upon exchange or completion.

Property information forms: The TA6 form,the TA10 form and TA7 form, if the property is leasehold. For leasehold properties you may need to provide a management pack.

The auction house site you use may recommend that you use its in-house conveyancing team.

You’ll need to instruct a conveyancer to look after the legal side of selling your property, so you may feel it’s best to get them to prepare the legal pack too.

Marketing and viewings

You’ll also need to confirm the details of the auction listing. The property should be listed on all the main property portals including Rightmove.

The estate agent or auctioneer will usually host viewings and open days of your property.

Watch the bids come in

With the Modern Method of Auction, bidding periods are often around 15-20 days but could be just a few days or even a few hours. You can watch bids being made online so the process is very transparent.

At the end of the auction, the house will be sold to the highest bidder, as long as they’ve met the reserve price. The buyer will have to pay the non-refundable reservation fee. This is in addition to the price of the property and is paid to the estate agent and online auction company, not you.

With many auction house sites, if a bidder places a bit in the last two minutes, the timer will reset to two minutes to allow everyone the chance to increase their bid if they wish.

The sale completes

The winning bidder will have 28 days to exchange contracts and a further 28 days to complete with the Modern Method of Auction.

Pros and cons to selling with an online property auction

So what are the Modern Method of Auction pros and cons for sellers?

Pros of selling via online property auction include:

Less chance of the sale falling down: In the normal selling process, a buyer can pull out at any point until exchange of contracts, penalty-free. But if a buyer pulls out of a Modern Method of Auction sale they will forfeit their reservation fee which is likely to be thousands of pounds.

Lower selling costs. Sellers benefit from selling with minimal cost to them. Although the sold price achieved at auction will generally be less than on the open market, the outlay is shouldered by the buyer, who may overlook this aspect at the prospect of a bargain.

The process is transparent.

Quick sale. May be an attractive option if you have a property which needs to be sold quickly, perhaps for probate, care home costs or flats with short leases or properties requiring serious renovation, for example.

Speedier completion: There are fixed dates for exchange and completion set by both sides. You should complete within 56 days. This takes away the uncertainty and time-lag often associated with usual sales. Even if you allow for a 30 day bidding period, the timescale is significantly faster than the average time from listing to completion of 207 days, according to data from TwentyEA Insight.

Cons of selling via online property auction:

Lower sale price. The sold price achieved at auction will generally be less than you would achieve on the open market. Broadly speaking Modern Method of Auction sales may sell for around 10% less. However, you won’t have selling fees to cover.

Off-putting to buyers. Expect that many buyers will be put off by the requirement to pay non-refundable reservation fees up-front. Your pool of buyers may shrink.

Are you really saving money? While you think you’re not paying the selling fees, you may be by default because most savvy buyers will work the reservation fee into the price they are willing to pay. So if they are bidding on a house worth £280,000, they may only bid £274,000 if they need to pay a reservation fee of £6,000. So while it looks like the buyer pays all the fees, you are likely to be losing out too. The estate agent and auctioneer split the reservation fee no matter what price you achieve.

If your buyer pulls out after winning the bid they’ll forfeit their reservation fee.

Modern Method of Auction reviews

Make sure you read reviews of house auction sites before deciding to sell your home through Modern Method of Auction..

https://www.iamsold.co.uk/buying-at-auction/

https://www.iamsold.co.uk/buying-at-auction/buyer-information-packs/

https://www.iamsold.co.uk/buying-at-auction/buying-fees-explained/

https://www.iamsold.co.uk/buying-at-auction/registering-to-bid/

Are you considering moving home? If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams / offices :

Four Oaks 0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101

Walmley 0121 313 2888

Great Barr 0121 358 6222

Thank for reading and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners

Details: Published: 26 July 2025; Hits: 1986

Reasons To Sell Your Home In August

Most people are aware that historically, the best time to sell your home is in the spring. Inspiration is in the air, the weather is getting warmer, gardens are beginning to look bright again and many buyers are eager to kick the year off with a new home.

But does this mean you should avoid selling once this spring window has passed?

Absolutely not.

There is Strong Demand

Most people do not begin viewing potential new homes until they have offers relating to their current property. Therefore, selling your home later in the summer is an excellent option if you are part of a longer chain.

Those who have marketed their home in the late spring may find that they cannot attract and accept offers until the middle of summer. Therefore, they will be searching for homes in August.

With a less saturated market at this time of year, it is far more likely they will find your property.

Decreased Competition

Yes, the market is slightly slower in August due to holidays and schools being closed, but that means that your home will potentially face less competition.

Determined buyers will have a smaller selection of homes to choose from, and therefore there is a much greater chance of increased interest and buyers driving up the sale cost.

Progress is Progress

Your home could take longer to sell in the summer months.

Those with children are preoccupied with arranging childcare, and therefore they are slower to book viewings and can often be unreliable. Also, many people choose to holiday during this period, so they are not contactable in the same capacity they usually would be.

However, this does not mean your home will not sell; it simply means it might take a few extra weeks.

Try to embrace the slightly less hectic and more laid back market in the late summer months.

Your Home Photographs Beautifully

The key to a successful house sale is exceptional marketing materials. These marketing materials have three key elements: a beautifully written informative description, a detailed floorplan, and incredible photographs.

Summer provides the best lighting to capture these fantastic images.

Great Weather Incentivises Viewers

The restrictions of the pandemic caused a steep rise in online video viewings in the housing market. These are incredibly beneficial to both buyer and seller, allowing for more flexibility and encouraging quicker sales.

However, most buyers will want to view a home in person before placing a formal offer on the property.

The warmer weather and brighter evenings encourage buyers to make an effort to view your home.

When the autumn begins to creep upon us and the days get substantially shorter, prospective buyers are much less incentivised to make the journey after work to view your property.

Settled for Christmas

The festive period is one of the most cherished in all of our calendars. It’s something we all look forward to, and throughout December, we all spend a tremendous amount of time at home entertaining guests.

Therefore, most prospective buyers who haven’t secured a deal in the summer are eager to complete before the onset of winter.

Marketing your home in August allows for plenty of time to be settled into a new house before the start of the Christmas period.

Top Tips for Selling Your Home in August

Control The Temperature

It’s not often in the UK that we are blessed with scorching hot summers. However, you want your buyers to be as comfortable as possible, taking their time to view your property.

Therefore, if you are lucky enough to show your home on a particularly beautiful day, open the windows wide to let in the fresh air.

Declutter and De-personalise

As with any other time of the year, it is crucial that you thoroughly declutter your home before allowing potential buyers to view it.

However, it is never as important as in the summertime, when viewers expect to see a bright, fresh blank canvas.

Play to Your Strengths

All buyers are going to be interested in your outside space. In the winter months, viewers often overlook the garden, focusing on the cosy environment inside.

So, when showing your home in August, you must get the garden looking immaculate.

Mow the lawn
Remove any dead plants or empty pots
Repaint the fences where necessary

Finally, a great tip is to set out the garden for entertaining, showing just how viewers could use the space. For example, consider staging a BBQ scene complete with a dressed table to show your viewers how great the outside entertaining area is.

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

Four Oaks 0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101

Walmley 0121 313 2888

Great Barr 0121 358 6222

Lettings 0121 312 4997

Mortgages 0121 387 1616

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale.

Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners

Details: Published: 25 July 2025; Hits: 268

Over the past 12 months, interest rates have played a pivotal role in shaping the UK property market. Following an unprecedented period of rapid increases throughout 2022 and early 2023, the Bank of England has since adopted a more cautious and stabilising approach in response to changing inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. As we move through the second half of 2025, both homeowners and investors are keenly watching for any signals about the direction of monetary policy and what it might mean for the housing sector.

Where Are Interest Rates Now?

As of July 2025, the Bank of England base rate sits at 4.25%, unchanged since early spring. After peaking at 5.25% in late 2023, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) began gradually trimming the rate as inflation showed signs of slowing. The steady decline in headline inflation—down from 10.1% in March 2023 to around 3.2% today—has reduced the urgency for aggressive tightening, allowing the Bank to begin cautiously easing the pressure.

Although rates remain historically high compared to the ultra-low levels seen in the 2010s, stability in recent months has brought a level of predictability back to the housing and mortgage markets.

The Last 12 Months: Cooling and Adjustment

The sharp rise in interest rates from late 2022 into mid-2023 had an immediate and dramatic effect on the housing market. Mortgage affordability was stretched, borrowing costs surged, and buyer sentiment cooled. Lenders responded by tightening affordability checks, while buyers recalibrated their budgets. As a result, house price growth slowed significantly and, in some regions, declined modestly.

In areas such as Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and parts of North Birmingham generally, where property values and average mortgages are higher, the impact was particularly noticeable. Many would-be buyers adopted a “wait and see” approach, while some existing homeowners faced difficult remortgage scenarios as fixed-rate deals expired and monthly repayments increased.

However, by early 2024, the market began to show signs of recalibration. Sellers became more realistic on pricing, demand stabilised, and mortgage lenders introduced more competitive products, particularly for five-year fixes. While transaction volumes remained below the five-year average, the sense of panic that characterised late 2022 had dissipated.

The Current Mood in the Market

Now, midway through 2025, confidence is returning—albeit cautiously. Buyers and sellers are becoming more accustomed to a “new normal” in mortgage rates, with many lenders now offering five-year fixed deals in the 4.5–4.75% range, and some dipping below 4% for those with larger deposits.

Mortgage advice Oct 24 USE

Mortgage Rates:

These vary depending on factors like loan-to-value ratio, term, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. For example, a 2-year fixed rate mortgage with a 75% LTV is around 4.34%, while a 5-year fixed rate with the same LTV is about 4.38%

This period of relative rate stability has encouraged both first-time buyers and existing homeowners to re-engage with the market. Here at Acres this Spring and early Summer we have seen increased viewing numbers and sales, with lenders are seeing improved levels of mortgage approvals compared to this time last year. While the market remains harder there is renewed movement and signs of recovery.

The Next 12 Months: What Lies Ahead?

The key question now is: where do rates go from here?

Market analysts are broadly expecting further, gradual base rate reductions over the next 12 months—provided inflation continues to decline and wage growth remains contained. Some forecasts suggest the base rate could fall to 4.0% or even 3.75% by mid-2026, depending on economic performance and global trends.

Such a move would be welcomed by borrowers and could help to stimulate more activity in the housing market, particularly among first-time buyers. However, policymakers remain cautious. The Bank of England has been clear that any loosening of monetary policy will be measured, to avoid reigniting inflationary pressures or creating instability in the financial system.

Additionally, geopolitical factors—including wages increases, global trade disruptions, and energy markets—may yet play a role in shaping economic policy and, by extension, interest rates.

Implications for the Property Market

If rates begin to fall incrementally in 2026, the property market is likely to respond positively. We could see a modest rise in house prices, particularly in more affordable regions where affordability metrics are more favourable. Increased mortgage availability and improved sentiment could bring more stock to the market, improving supply-demand balance.

That said, we’re unlikely to return to the heady price growth of the early pandemic years. What we can expect is a more sustainable, steady market—driven by real demand, realistic pricing, and better-aligned borrowing costs.

Shutterstock 706375210

Final Thoughts

Interest rates remain a vital factor in the health of the property market. After 18 months of volatility, the outlook is becoming clearer, though challenges remain. For buyers, sellers, and investors alike, the next 12 months offer an opportunity to engage with a market that is stabilising, supported by more predictable economic conditions and a cautious but constructive monetary policy environment.

Staying informed—and seeking advice from trusted mortgage and property professionals—will be essential as we move into what appears to be a calmer, more balanced phase for housing.

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

Four Oaks 0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101

Walmley 0121 313 2888

Great Barr 0121 358 6222

Lettings 0121 312 4997

Mortgages 0121 387 1616

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale.

Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners

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Latest News

INTEREST RATE REDUCTION: A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HOME BUYERS?

7 reasons why selling in September is a great time

Modern Method of Auction - What you need to know