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Here at Acres Estate Agents, we’ve seen first-hand that the Autumn home-selling season of 2025 has kicked off at a remarkable pace. Once the summer holidays wrap up, September and October traditionally mark one of the busiest periods of the year – and this year is no exception. Many homeowners and buyers across Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Walmley, Great Barr and the wider North Birmingham area are actively thinking about their next move, whether that’s upsizing for family space, downsizing after retirement, or simply making a lifestyle change.
We all know 2023 was more subdued: mortgage rates peaked, inflation stayed stubbornly high and many would-be movers pressed pause. Yet 2024 and indeed 2025 have proved to be quite different. Mortgage rates have been steadily easing since mid 2024, inflation is hovering close to the Bank of England’s 2% target, and crucially, August 2025 saw a further interest Base Rate, bringing renewed confidence to the market. Buyers who had been sitting on the fence have been prompted back into action, and many sellers are seeing higher viewing numbers.
Add to this the largest choice of homes for sale nationally since 2014, and it’s no surprise we’ve seen a marked increase in activity locally. Across our Sutton Coldfield and Greatt Barr branches alone we’ve recorded a significant rise in both buyer enquiries and agreed sales, mirroring the national picture of a 15% uplift in enquiries and a 27% jump in sales agreed compared with the same period last year. Our own data shows family houses between £300,000 and £650,000 are especially strong performers, while premium properties above £1 million in Four Oaks Estate and Little Aston are also enjoying more interest.
Local Expertise Meets National Trends
The combination of the Bank of England’s rate cuts and improving buyer sentiment has created a genuine “window of opportunity” for homeowners and buyers alike. Some of this is clearly pent-up demand from those who delayed during the tougher years of 2023–24. At Acres we are already seeing more offers at or very close to askingb prices.
That said, the market is still price-sensitive. Well-presented and sensibly priced homes are attracting strong interest, while overpriced properties risk sitting unsold for longer. Accordingly, we’re advising clients to price competitively from day one to capitalise on the current momentum. We also emphasise high-quality marketing — professional photography, clear floorplans, targeted social media — which helps our listings stand out from the increased competition.
The upcoming Autumn Statement on 30 October 2025 will also be one to watch. Changes in taxation, reliefs or incentives could have a real impact on certain sectors of the market as we approach the end of the year, especially for investors and downsizers. Our in-house team is ready to interpret any changes immediately so our clients can make informed decisions.
House Prices – Autumn 2025 Snapshot
Typically at this time of year we see a small seasonal uptick in asking prices. This autumn, prices have risen 0.8% month-on-month nationally, double the seasonal average. The average UK asking price now stands at £370,759, with first-time buyer properties averaging £227,570, second-stepper homes £343,052, and top-of-the-ladder properties £670,753.
Locally, Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas remain robust, with premium family homes in Four Oaks, Little Aston and Wylde Green particularly sought-after. We’re seeing competitive bidding on well-located properties and strong interest across all price points. Family homes near good schools, homes with annexes or home offices, and properties within walking distance of Cross City Line stations are achieving especially strong interest.
Advice for Sellers in Autumn 2025
While buyer interest is up, it’s still taking an average of 60 days to secure a buyer – a touch longer than last year. This reflects a market where buyers have more choice and are taking their time to secure the right property.
Our advice at Acres Estate Agents is clear:
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Price realistically from the outset. With affordability still stretched for many households, competitive pricing is key to generating early offers.
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Presentation matters. Homes that are clean, decluttered and professionally photographed attract the most viewings and best offers. We also advise a pre-sale “health check” — making sure small maintenance jobs and paperwork (like guarantees, service records) are ready to show buyers.
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Act promptly. Those listing early this autumn are getting the pick of the market, particularly as mortgage rates remain at their most competitive levels in several years.
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Leverage local knowledge. As Sutton Coldfield’s longest-established, largest family owned independent estate agent, we know exactly what buyers are looking for street-by-street, which helps us position your home correctly.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, the 2025 market offers more choice than at any time in the last decade. However, increased stock also means the best homes still go quickly. Buyers who are mortgage-ready, have paperwork in order and are registered with the right agent will be the first to hear about new instructions.
We’re seeing a particular surge of interest from first-time buyers taking advantage of improved mortgage deals, as well as families moving into the area for schools such as Arthur Terry. In premium brackets, lifestyle features such as proximity to Sutton Park, home gyms, garden offices and energy-efficient upgrades are becoming deciding factors.
Final Word from Nigel Deekes
“Autumn 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest autumn markets we’ve seen in years. With mortgage rates easing, inflation under control and renewed confidence in the economy, buyers are motivated – but they’re also discerning. Pricing correctly and marketing your home professionally is crucial. At Acres, our experienced teams across Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Walmley and Great Barr is on hand to guide you through every step, from valuation to completion.”
Thinking of Selling? Book Your Free Valuation Today
If you’re considering a move this autumn or winter, now is an excellent time to act. Acres Estate Agents has been selling homes across Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham for over 33 years and we know how to achieve the very best result for our clients.
📞 Call your nearest Acres office today or visit www.acres.co.uk to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation. Our friendly, experienced team will give you an accurate market appraisal and expert advice to help you make the most of the current market conditions.
Looking to Buy? Get Ahead of the Crowd
Our buyer register is busier than ever, and registered applicants are notified of new listings before they reach the property portals. If you’re thinking of buying in the area register with us now to receive priority alerts and early viewing opportunities.
📧 Email or call your local Acres branch today to join our buyer list — detasil below and we will help you secure your ideal home as soon as it becomes available.
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.
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
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Acres team are set, and ready for this years fun run on Sunday.
Please come along and support all the runners, walkers and teams. It is a great day, superb atmosphere and best of all - thousands of pounds will be raised for many deserving charities - Course route
Acres are proud to once more be supporting MDNA- Donate here
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When considering the factors that influence house prices, schools often emerge as a key player in the equation. The proximity and quality of schools have a significant impact on the desirability of a neighbourhood, which, in turn, affects property values. This blog will delve into the intricate relationship between schools and house prices, exploring how educational institutions can cause a ripple effect that shapes the local property market.
The Educational Ecosystem and Property Values
For families, the quality of education a school provides is a top priority. As parents seek to secure the best possible educational opportunities for their children, they are willing to invest in homes located in areas with reputable schools. Thus, a symbiotic relationship between schools and property values is established. Here’s how it works:
- Demand and Attraction: High-performing schools create a surge in demand for homes within their catchment areas. Families often move or relocate to these areas to ensure their children receive a quality education. This increased demand leads to competition among buyers, ultimately driving up property prices. In 2019 PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) reported that on average house prices near a top primary school costs £27,000 more than in a wider area, and £25,000 more near the top 10 % of secondary schools. Living close to one of England’s top primary and secondary state schools can add over £25,000 to the price of a house (pwc.co.uk )
- Resale Value: Homes situated near well-regarded schools tend to hold their value better over time. Even during economic downturns, these properties remain sought after, shielding homeowners from steep value declines. You can monitor house prices by seeing what homes have sold for in your area. Sold House Prices | See UK House Prices Online | Rightmove
- Homebuyer Psychology: The mere presence of a renowned school can enhance the perceived desirability of an area. The prestige associated with such institutions contributes to a positive image of the community, further boosting property values. The Department of Education published a report in 2017 which analysed 3 years of house price data and concluded “The value of houses near the poorest- performing schools are also lower than in the surrounding areas. House prices near the 10% best-performing primary schools are 8.0% higher than in the surrounding area.” The report can be found here School performance and house prices: analysis – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Catchment Area Effect
One of the most prominent ways schools influence house prices is through catchment areas. A catchment area refers to the geographical boundary within which a particular school has priority for student enrolment. As the quality of a school improves, homes within its catchment area become particularly attractive to families.
- Catchment Area Premium: Properties within a high-performing school’s catchment area often command a premium compared to those outside the boundary. This premium can be substantial and may vary depending on the school’s reputation and the scarcity of available homes.
- Competition and Bidding Wars: Limited supply coupled with high demand within a catchment area can lead to bidding wars among prospective buyers. In such scenarios, home prices can skyrocket well above the original listing price.
Investment in Infrastructure
Council investments in school infrastructure can also impact local housing markets. When educational institutions receive funding for improvements, expansions, or modernisation, it not only enhances the learning environment but also contributes to the overall appeal of the surrounding community area.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Modern school buildings, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced technology attract families seeking a contemporary and conducive learning environment for their children. These upgrades can indirectly contribute to a rise in property values.
- Local Area Transformation: School improvements often spill over into the community, leading to a positive transformation of the local area. This can include better roads, increased safety measures, and improved public spaces—all of which contribute to heightened desirability and subsequent property value appreciation.
The relationship between schools and house prices is intricate and multifaceted. The quality of education provided by a school and its catchment area can significantly influence the demand for homes and impact property values. As families prioritise access to reputable educational institutions, the housing market responds with increased demand and higher prices. Additionally, investments in school infrastructure can catalyse neighbourhood improvements that further boost property values.
For homeowners and prospective buyers alike, understanding the dynamics between schools and house prices is essential for making informed decisions. As communities continue to evolve, the ripple effect created by schools will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping local housing markets.
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
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House prices show growth year on year
Key takeaways: April 2025 House Prices
- House prices in the West Midlands rise : 2.3% year on year ( Zoopla April 25 ) & by 1% ( Rightmove April 25 ) the average asking price of home hits a new record, at just over £261,316
- Our snapshot of the housing market after stamp duty increase suggests people are carrying on with their home moves
- New home-buyer demand is up 5% compared to last year, with new sellers coming to market up by 4% ( Rightmove April 25 )
- Mortgage rates may drop more quickly than anticipated if the Bank of England reduces the Base Rate in May
As the days get longer, Spring is in full bloom and the weather improves so does the property market, with more home-movers springing into action. This year, we’ve seen some more substancial changes in the market than usual, with for example the temporary stamp duty holiday ending from the start of April.
But the latest snapshots of the housing market shows that most people are moving on as normal, indeed this first quarter, here at Acres we have been pleasantly surprised, and very pleased by the levels of Sales and New Instruction coming to market with sales to the end of March, our year end, being 41% higher than the previous year, listings 18% higher, and properties completed once more 41% higher, a great year.
You can check the average prices in the region by viewing Rightmove’s House Price Index report for April and also the latest sold prices in your area here.
What is the reason for price increases ?
Traditionally we see increases in the Spring, when the housing market is at its busiest. However, this month’s jump is bigger than the usual price rise we see in April.
This is because demand from those looking to buy a home is up by 5% compared to this time last year, while the number of new sellers coming to market has also increased by 4%. ( data from Rightmove )
Nigel Deekes – founding Partner of Acres comments : “ It has been an exceptionally busy 12 months, the market has moved forward, as have Acres, once more proportionally taking more New instruction and Sales from the stock of property in the area. We’ve seen our prices move forward marginally, and the anticipated slow down from the withdrawal of the stamp duty savings impacting the market less than expected, as the general additional £2,500 payable perhaps not being as big a deterrent as expected, given the average price of a property in the area the stamp duty increase proportionally has less impact and desire for many to move remains strong, life goes on. “
Chris Deekes - Associate Partner, and managers of Acres Great Barr " Since the recent stamp duty changes, we haven’t seen an increase in the number of home sales falling through, which indicates there hasn’t been a backtracking from buyers who were unable to complete before the tax rise. There was also a significant rush to complete sales before the April deadline."
With more homes available for sale than at this time last year, there’s more competition, so it’s really important if you’re thinking of selling your home to work with your agent to get the price right.
Chris Harvey Managers of Acres Four Oaks explains: “March was a very busy month, with significantly more completions than usual. We, and solicitors worked very hard to get so many sales through. April has started off as a busy month, with instructions up, as are viewings and offers across all of four North Birmingham offices.”
What’s happening with mortgage rates?
Rightmove analysis shows Average mortgage rates remain just below 5%, with the current average five-year fixed mortgage rate of 4.72% being only slightly lower than this time last year. If the Bank of England opts for further and faster rate cuts, starting in May, then mortgage rates could drop more quickly than anticipated. You can check the current average mortgage rates here.
Know your mortgage bughet in 2 minutes :
- Discover your maximum borrowing power https://acres-fs.co.uk/aea-mortgage-borrow-calculator
- Establish your monthly repayments https://acres-fs.co.uk/aea-mortgage-repayment-calculator
- See homes you know you can afford www.acres.co.uk
House price inflation slows as supply grows
House price inflation is still relatively slow after a good recovery over the last 12 months. The annual rate of UK house price inflation edged lower in February to 1.8%.
Prices are still rising faster than a year ago (-0.2%) but we expect the rate of UK house price inflation to moderate in the coming months. ( Data from Zoopla )
There are several factors behind the expected slowdown. The number of homes for sale is growing faster than the number of sales being agreed, boosting choice for buyers and re-enforcing a buyers’ market.
While house price inflation is slowing, the number of sales agreed continues to increase, up 5% on a year ago, with demand 10% higher.
Lettings News
Annabelle Reynolds, Acres lettings manager comments : “ In March 2025, the UK's residential rental market is experiencing significant growth, with rental prices expected to increase considerably. This growth is projected to continue through 2029, with a cumulative increase of nearly 18%. Specifically, the UK rental market is poised for a surge, with a robust eight percent rise anticipated in 2024. Additionally, the {"How to Rent" guide https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/content-hub/how-to-rent-guide/} is a crucial resource for landlords, outlining the legal requirements for renting out properties. Landlords must ensure their properties are in compliance with the latest version of the guide, which includes providing adequate insurance, checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and ensuring valid gas safety certificates, EICRs, and EPC"
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
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The Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker/Advisor.
Are you considering buying a home or remortgaging and need to secure a mortgage?
One crucial decision you'll face is whether to use a mortgage broker. While some may opt for going directly to a bank or lender, there are significant advantages to working with a mortgage broker.
Here are some key benefits:
* Access to a Wide Range of Lenders*
Mortgage brokers have access to a wide range of lenders. This means they can help you compare offerings from various lenders, including banks and specialist lenders.
*Tailored Solutions*
Every individual's financial situation is unique. A broker can tailor mortgage solutions to your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, or have a complex financial situation, a broker can find a mortgage product that suits you.
*Saves Time and Effort*
Searching for the right mortgage can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the mortgage market. A broker can streamline the process by doing the legwork for you, saving you time and effort.
*Expert Advice and Guidance*
Mortgage brokers are experts in their field. They can offer valuable advice and guidance throughout the mortgage application process, helping you understand the terms and conditions of different mortgage products and guiding you through the paperwork.
*Potential Cost Savings*
By accessing a wide range of mortgage products, brokers can often find deals with lower interest rates and better terms than those available through individual lenders. This can result in significant cost savings over the life of your mortgage.
In conclusion, using a mortgage broker can provide you with a range of benefits, including access to a wide variety of lenders and products, tailored solutions, time and effort savings, expert advice, and potential cost savings. So, when you're ready to buy a home, consider enlisting the help of a mortgage broker to guide you through the process and help you secure the best possible mortgage deal.
Contact our dedicated, helpful, knowledgeable team for further help and information
Lisa Brown : 0121 358 6222
Catherine Painter : 0121 321 2101
See our extensive range of mortgage and loan calculators here : https://acres-fs.co.uk/
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
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
