Is the Peterborough Property Market a Buyers’ or Sellers’ Market?

Are you a Peterborough homeowner considering a move in the next six to twelve months?

Perhaps you're a buy-to-let landlord weighing up whether to expand or streamline your portfolio? Or maybe you’re a first-time buyer wondering if now is the right moment to take the plunge?

Whatever your position, knowing whether the Peterborough market is currently favouring buyers or sellers will help you make informed decisions.

How to Measure Market Conditions

For those who regularly follow our Peterborough property market updates, you'll know that the best way to measure whether we are in a buyers', balanced, or sellers' market is to analyse the proportion of properties marked as "Sold STC" or "Under Offer" compared to the total number of properties on the market.

For instance, if there are 300 Peterborough properties on the market, of which 100 properties are sold STC/under offer and 200 available properties, then 100 as a percentage of 300 equates to 33.3%.

This percentage figure acts as a barometer for market conditions and can be analysed using this table:

• Extreme Buyers' Market (0%-20%)

• Buyers' Market (21%-29%)

• Balanced Market (30%-40%)

• Sellers' Market (41%-49%)

• Hot Sellers' Market (50%-59%)

• Extreme Sellers' Market (60%+)

How Does Peterborough Compare?

Looking at historical data from The Advisory, which has tracked this metric for years, we can observe key trends for each February. (For this exercise, Peterborough refers to PE1-PE8.)

• 2018-2020 (Pre-Pandemic): Market hovered between 35% to 42%.

• 2021-2022 (Post-Pandemic Boom): Demand surged; in Feb 2021 it hit 51%, and in Feb 2022, it peaked at 63%.

• 2023 (After the Truss/Kwarteng Budget Impact): Market settled at 42%.

• 2024: The figure softened slightly to 35%.

• February 2025: The latest data shows the market at 38%.

Implications for the Peterborough Property Market in 2025

For Sellers:

We are now in a Peterborough property market where patience and strategy are essential. Buyers have more choice (as covered in my recent Peterborough property market blog posts), meaning sellers must:

• Price realistically to attract interest.

• Ensure their home stands out with strong presentation.

• Avoid overpricing, as it leads to longer time on the market and reduces the chances of completing a sale.

That said, well-presented and appropriately priced properties still generate strong interest. With mortgage rates stabilising, buyers are confident but taking their time. A proactive marketing approach, including virtual tours, professional photography, and strong digital exposure, will be key to securing a sale in a reasonable timeframe.

For Buyers:

Those in the market for a Peterborough property in 2025 will find they have more breathing space compared to the frenzied activity of 2021/22. While desirable properties still attract competition, buyers can:

• Negotiate on price or secure favourable terms, especially for homes that have been on the market for a while.

• Get mortgage pre-approval before making an offer to strengthen their position.

• Broaden their search—some of the best value can be found just outside the most sought-after areas.

Final Thoughts

With a new Government settling in and wider economic factors at play, the Peterborough property market remains resilient but has transitioned into a more stable, normal environment.

Are You Planning to Move in 2025?

What are your thoughts on how the Peterborough property market will evolve? We’d love to hear your insights!