Spring has sprung! The mornings are brighter, the nights are getting longer, the leaves are back on the trees and it’s the busiest time of year for the property market.
With an increase in buyer enquiries and viewing figures, we have seen an uptake in both new instructions and sales during March.
Let’s take a look at how the beginning of spring has affected the property market.
This month we have continued to see a diverse range of buyers investing in the Stockton property market. The area provides residents with excellent transport links, via train, bus and motorway networks, making it extremely popular with commuters. With rent prices rising in central Manchester, we have seen an uptake in buyers seeking to invest in a more affordable area which is still within a commutable distance.
Currently, it appears that the stock available is meeting buyer demand, with 95 new instructions and 82 sales agreed this month, however when speaking to our buyers they tell a different story. Demand for larger semi-detached or detached family homes is high, however, the stock is currently low. Vendors within Stockton Heath aren’t extremely motivated to sell. Often, they are selling to downsize and are in no rush to do so. They would rather sit on the market longer to achieve a higher price than accept a lower offer and sell quickly.
During March, Warrington was very popular with families due to its residential community, convenient local facilities and Good Ofsted-rated schools. Buyers are mostly onward movers who know the areas well and are seeking to upsize. During COVID-19 there was a spike in buyers moving into the area from further afield, however during 2024, this began to change until now, where we see predominantly onwards movers.
Additionally, recent changes to legislation have resulted in many landlords opting to sell. Rather than tackle the changes, such as the Rental Reform Bill, new EPC requirements and leasehold changes, landlords are choosing to sell meaning there are more ex-rental properties on the market this month.
The average sale price for properties in Stockton Heath over the past 12 months is £338.564, which is a 4% increase in annual sales prices and a 23% rise in sales prices over the past 5 years**.
Nationally, the speed in which house prices have been rising is slowing down and with the turbulent state of international politics, the future is looking uncertain. This is reflected in the Stockton Heath property market. Although prices are continuing to rise steadily, buyers are becoming more cautious.
To accommodate this, our expert valuer implements a test the market pricing strategy to generate high volumes of activity early on, while leaving the option to adjust the price if necessary. This helps achieve the best possible price for the vendor.
The overall message we have for prospective sellers is that now is the time to do so! The market is hot and spring is historically when we see the highest level of activity. Although the future is uncertain, it doesn’t look set to improve with the possibility of interest rates falling and stamp duty coming into effect. Now is the time to sell.
Contact the Edward Mellor Stockton Heath branch for more information. Either call us on: 01925 399643 or email [email protected] to speak to a member of our experienced team.
Contact Edward Mellor Stockton Heath
We have a plethora of exciting success stories this month and it’s no surprise after we’ve sold 4.9% of the market within the area*.
For example, the sale of a four-bedroom detached property on Pickering Crescent within Thelwell. The vendor fortunately had the luxury of time and was happy to sit on the market until they found the perfect onwards. Our expert sales negotiators were not only able to secure their dream onward property but also find a buyer for their home, thus creating a chain within the company and increasing the likelihood of a successful completion.
If you are considering selling your home, now is the time to do so. Demand is high and potential buyers are moving quickly. Our team are experts in helping you achieve your desired outcome!
Our clients have owned the property since construction by Ashall Builders, a local family firm of builders renowned for their quality construction, and, in recent years the property has been transformed with a substantial extension and upgrading to create a home that offers an extent of accommodation that is not immediately apparent on first impression.
Putting its sheer size to one side, the care and attention to detail that our clients have employed is equally as impressive. With well-presented rooms of substantial proportions and tremendous flexibility to suit a variety of lifestyles and requirements, the property would equally suit those searching for a large family home, those seeking a property that would accommodate a dependent relative or for those working from home. Unlike many properties that have been extended to such a degree, often they do so at the expense of their gardens, but that cannot be said for ‘Lea Rise’ with outstanding grounds with predominantly westerly aspects extending to approximately 0.32 acre (0.30 ha).
Old Hall Close, Higher Walton, Warrington
With over 40 years of proven experience in helping people buy and sell property, our local teams are on hand to help clients at every stage of their property journeys.
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*According to data sourced from Rightmove, reflecting the Stockton Heath property market from 01/03/25 – 26/02/25. The postcodes included are WA4 1-6
**dataloft, Stockton Heath property sales overview, accessed March 2025.
Written by Molly Booth
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