Strutt & Parker’s National Country House Department has reported a strong start to December, with the total value of properties going under offer around 45% higher than the same period in 2024 and more than double December 2023’s figures. The volume of exchanges so far this month has also surpassed the total for November.
The increase follows the Autumn Budget, which appears to have influenced market activity. In the week after the announcement, the total value of exchanges was over 180% higher than the same week last year.
Sellers have responded quickly, with some properties launched immediately to take advantage of the market shift and others preparing to come to market in early January, according to Strutt & parker. The Country House Department anticipates continued activity in the first weeks of 2026, with several significant country houses scheduled to launch.
Oliver Custance Baker, Head of the National Country House Department, said: “After a particularly prolonged run-up to the Autumn Budget, buyers and sellers finally have clarity. This has certainly allowed people to move forward with plans that had previously been on hold, and what we’re seeing now is confidence really returning across the market.”
This uplift builds on steady momentum from the team throughout the autumn. In Yorkshire alone, September and October delivered £25m worth of exchanges.
“Our registrations are more than 40% higher year-to-date compared to 2024, despite a somewhat challenging economic backdrop. Interest rates have eased only gradually, and prolonged Budget speculation weighed on sentiment for much of the second half of the year,” said Baker. “Even so, committed purchasers have continued to underpin activity in the prime country house market.”
The National Country House Department has also continued to solidify its nationwide presence this year, with strategic appointments strengthening their presence in key regions. New hires include James Robinson in the Midlands, and James Machell and Jordan Sturgess across the Home Counties.