UK Residential Market Survey, October 2025 (published 11th November 2025).
What is the UK Residential Market Survey?
The UK Residential Market Survey is used by the government, the Bank of England and other key institutions, including the IMF, as an indicator of current and future conditions in UK residential sales and lettings. It is covered extensively in the media and is the leading source of market intelligence, highly regarded both by investors and across the industry.
Buyer demand continues to soften with policy uncertainty feeding into a general sense of caution
Headline indicators tracking sales market activity remain in negative territory.
House prices continue to face modest downward pressure at the national level.
Subdued backdrop expected to persist over coming months.
The October 2025 RICS UK Residential Survey results indicate that the sales market remains subdued, with measures of buyer demand and agreed sales still in negative territory. Anecdotally, comments from contributors suggest that uncertainty surrounding potential tax-raising measures in the upcoming Budget is contributing to the current cautious mood.
Navah Consulting’s view
From our perspective across Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire, the cautious sentiment outlined in the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey is consistent with what we’re seeing locally. Buyer demand remains subdued, and sales are taking longer to progress, particularly where asking prices have not fully realigned with today’s market conditions. That said, well-presented and accurately priced homes continue to attract solid interest, especially from equity-rich and chain-free purchasers. We’ve also seen a clear increase in requests for RICS Home Surveys Level 2 & Level 3 and independent RICS Valuations, as buyers seek greater certainty before committing in a more price-sensitive environment.
Pricing remains a core driver of activity. Purchasers across our region are paying closer attention to energy efficiency, service installations, roof coverings, damp and mould risks, and the general maintenance history of a property. Homes requiring significant remedial work are typically subject to more robust negotiation and extended decision-making.
Looking ahead, we expect the late-autumn market to remain steady but restrained. Activity is likely to be led by motivated sellers and informed buyers who understand current valuation realities and the broader backdrop of economic and policy uncertainty heading into the end of the year.
At Navah Consulting, we continue to support buyers, sellers and investors through:
RICS Home Survey Level 2 & Level 3
RICS Red Book Valuations (sale, purchase, probate, shared ownership, Help to Buy)
Reinstatement Cost Assessments
Contract Administration and project monitoring
Even in a quieter market, informed decision-making is crucial. As RICS-qualified surveyors based in Bishop’s Stortford, we are well placed to assist clients across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and the surrounding areas, including Stansted Mountfitchet, Cambridge, Hertford, Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Chelmsford and Saffron Walden.
If you are considering buying, selling, or simply need professional guidance, please feel free to get in touch, we’ll be happy to advise further.
