March has brought a seasonal lift in prices, with the market feeling steady. Sellers are facing increased competition and the longest time to sell at this point in the year since 2013, making accurate pricing essential. Despite recent global uncertainty, activity has remained stable so far this month.
local, informed, expert
Property market news
The March market remains steady so far, despite the new global uncertainty created by the conflict in Iran, though it’s still too early to gauge the full impact.
Average new seller asking prices have risen by a typical 0.8% (£3,023) this month to £371,042. Meanwhile, the number of homes for sale is at an 11-year high, limiting price growth and making careful, competitive pricing essential for sellers.
Stock levels remain unusually high, with the number of homes for sale at an 11‑year peak. This stronger supply is keeping price growth in check and increasing competition, meaning many sellers need to price more sharply to stand out and attract buyers.
Prices
Over the last 12 months the average sales price in Bristol was £371,539.
32% of sales in the past 12 months were flats, achieving an average sales price of £280,525. Houses achieved an average price of £424,293.
The highest value recorded by the Land Registry over the past 12 months was £2,150,000 for a flat and £3,000,000 for a house.
Demand
Transactions
The latest data says there were 94,680 transactions in January, down by 1% year-on-year (HMRC). In the latest RICS survey, a net balance of +17% of respondents anticipate that sales volumes will pick up over the year ahead, more moderate than the +35% last month.
The number of sales agreed is 5% below this time in 2025 but is 9% higher than at this time in 2024 (Rightmove).
Demand
The latest data were 59,999 mortgage approvals in January which is -10% lower than a year ago (Bank of England). There are 6% more homes available for sale than a year ago (Zoopla).
Lettings update
Bristol’s lettings market remains strong, with rents still at historic highs and landlord yields continuing to outperform much of the wider South West.
Over the last 12 months, the average rent achieved for homes let in Bristol was £1,555 per month. This is a +3.1% change on the previous 12 month period.
67% of homes let were flats, achieving an average rental value of £1,414 per month. Houses achieved an average rent of £1,907 per month.
There are currently 4,770 properties available to rent in Bristol which is 80.3% higher than a year ago. 64.4% of homes listed to rent in the past 12 months were flats.
Properties rented in the last month had been on the market for an average of 19 days which is 11.6% longer than a year ago.
Mortgages
The Bank of England is currently holding the base rate at 3.75% following several cuts through 2024–25.
Inflation has eased but remains above target, with the latest confirmed CPI reading at 3.0% for January 2026, down from 3.4% in December. (ons)
Mortgage pricing has firmed up in recent weeks. The average 2‑year fixed rate now sits at 5.01%, and the average 5‑year fixed at 5.09%, reflecting lenders’ response to inflation concerns and global uncertainty. (Forbes)
For buyers with strong equity - including those in Bristol - some of the sharper deals begin from around 3.83% on a 2‑year fix, with five‑year fixes starting from roughly 4.10%.
Tracker products have become more attractive again, with average 2‑year variable rates around 4.25%, closely tied to the base rate.
Property market outlook
Market outlook for 2026. Renewed optimism.
Looking ahead, the consensus among property market experts is for steady, modest growth rather than any dramatic swings. After the dip in activity due to the late Autumn budget, Bristol’s housing market continues to renew momentum as we begin 2026.
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.