local, informed, expert
October property market news
Early autumn indicators suggest a cautious but active Bristol market.
The average asking price for newly listed homes in the UK rose by 0.3% (£1,165) this month to £371,422, according to the latest data from Rightmove.
October usually brings an uplift following the summer lull, this year’s increase is below the ten-year average of +1.1%, with a record level of available properties on the market for sale. Activity in September also slowed compared to the same time last year, when a Bank Rate cut in August 2024 and early moves to beat the April 2025 stamp duty rise boosted demand.
Uncertainty ahead of the upcoming Budget is adding to buyer caution, contributing to a more muted autumn market than usual.
We can certainly confirm a measured approach to pricing has proven effective, helping to stimulate across all areas of Bristol. At Ocean, we believe that realistic and attractive pricing is key to a healthy, active market. If you’re considering a move this autumn, now could be the perfect time to take advantage of these favourable conditions.
Prices
Bristol overview
Over the last 12 months the average sales price in Bristol was £370,314. 33% of sales were flats, achieving an average sales price of £279,931. Houses achieved an average price of £425,021.
The average price for detached houses is £647,447. Semi-detached £425,925 and terraced £404,341.
Demand
There are more homes on the market in Bristol than we've seen in over a decade, giving buyers a lot more choice than in recent years. Sellers who are serious about selling have had to moderate their price expectations.
In addition, speculation that the Budget has given some movers a reason to wait and see what’s announced in November.
However, the 2025 market remains resilient, looking at 2025 year to date, new buyer demand is up by 2% compared to the same period in 2024.
Lettings news
Bristol’s lettings market is steady, with rents holding at record highs and yields remaining attractive for landlords. The city continues to outperform the wider South West in both rent levels and tenant demand.
Average monthly rent: £1,778 (August 2025, ONS) This is almost unchanged from £1,779 in July 2024 - a 0.1% decrease, showing remarkable stability.
Regional comparison: Bristol rents are significantly higher than the South West average (£1,184) and the UK average (£1,343).
Overall, demand remains strong, but the market is more balanced than in previous years, with a slight increase in available rental properties.
Mortgages
the Bank of England base rate held at 4.00% in the September 18th MPC meeting. This follows two earlier cuts in 2025 (from a peak of 4.50%). Inflation is currently at 3.8%, still above the 2% target, which is why further cuts are being approached cautiously.
The average 2-year fixed rate is 4.53% (Down from a peak of 6.85% in 2023). 5-year fixed rates typically range from 4.6% to 5.1%, depending on LTV and lender. Tracker and SVR mortgages remain closely tied to the base rate.
Property market outlook
Market outlook for 2025 and beyond. Cautious optimism.
Looking ahead, the consensus among property market experts is for steady, modest growth rather than any dramatic swings. After the slight dip in momentum recently, Bristol’s housing market is expected to gently pick up pace through late 2025.
We hope that was useful and informative. As always, our teams are here to help, get in touch with any questions about your local property market.
If securing a new mortgage or arranging a re-mortgage is important for you right now, click here to book an online consultation, our mortgage brokers are independent, and their services are free to you.
Finally, if you are (understandably) confused by some of the mixed market reporting, not least by some of the more sensational news reporting each month, click here for some independent insight into how House Price Indexes are compiled.
Sources: Rightmove, Zoopla, On the Market, Dataloft by Price Hubble, Land Registry, ONS National House Price Index, DLUHC.