The average asking price of property coming to market increased by 1.8% in October, the biggest rise at this time of year since October 2015, according to Rightmove.

The data reveals that the number of property sales being agreed was up 15.2% in September, versus 2019’s ‘normal market’ comparison

Property industry reaction:

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “We’ve seen a second wave of activity hit the market in the wake of the stamp duty holiday as those who refrained from the chaotic market conditions seen over the last year now decide to take the plunge.

“With the market remaining particularly buoyant, those entering with a property to sell are pricing high and this has caused yet further growth where asking prices are concerned. While initial asking price expectations are perhaps a little over-optimistic, to say the least, a lack of stock to satisfy demand means that homes are selling fast and for a very good price.

“We’re certainly starting to see stronger signs of a London market revival. House price growth across the capital has remained fairly muted in contrast to the rest of the nation but a return to the workplace and the return of foreign interest is starting to drive the market forward.

“Don’t be surprised to see London regain the property price growth top spot before the year is out.”

The managing director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, said: “Instead of stumbling over the hurdle of a final stamp duty holiday deadline as many predicted, the market has posted an incredibly strong performance with asking prices climbing across every region.

“We’re now seeing definitive proof that while the stamp duty holiday may have acted as a starting pistol where the property market revival was concerned, the race certainly hasn’t been run and this strong upward growth is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.

“While it seems too soon to talk about Christmas, it won’t be long before it arrives and while many will be eying the New Year with regard to selling their home, now is the time to get your house in order so that come the 1st January you’re on the market and attracting interest.”

The founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “This latest market performance may come as a surprise to some but we are heading into what is traditionally a very busy period for the housing market and we can expect to see more of the same as the end of the year approaches.

“Of course, the question is how long it will last and the answers to that question lie with the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. Should the decision be made to threaten our economic recovery with an increase in interest rates, we could the housing market slow considerably.”

Mark Ross, managing director of Redbrik, remarked: “Stock shortages continue to drive prices upwards, though accurate pricing rather than over-pricing is very important to get prospective buyers through the door.

“We expect prices to continue to rise, albeit at a steadier pace. This should give buyers and sellers more confidence to come to the market as they better understand the less frantic conditions.

“Extrapolating the market fluctuations, we’ve seen property firmly re-establish itself as a reliable long-term investment for owner-occupiers and investors alike. While we expect a 0.5% increase in the mortgage rate over the next six months, we predict rates will remain comparatively low as banks, and building societies compete for business.”