Are you considering moving home in Peterborough in the next 6 to 12 months?
Perhaps you're a landlord deciding whether to expand or trim your portfolio…
Or a first-time buyer wondering if 2025 is the right year to take the leap?
Understanding whether the current property market favours buyers or sellers is key to making the right decision.
If you’ve been following our regular updates, you’ll know that one of the most reliable ways to assess market health is by comparing:
The number of properties marked “Sold STC” or “Under Offer”
vs.
The total number of properties available on the market.
This gives us a sales percentage, which acts as a barometer for market conditions.
For example:
If there are 500 homes on the market, and 200 are under offer or sold STC, that's a 40% sales rate.
| Market Type | Sales % Range |
|---|---|
| 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% + |
May 2018: 43%
May 2019: 37% (Brexit uncertainty)
May 2020: 20% (first lockdown)
May 2021: 63% (post-pandemic rebound)
May 2022: 64%
May 2023: 38% (after mini-budget fallout and rising rates)
May 2024: 37%
May 2025: 38%
Peterborough currently sits at the upper end of a balanced market, edging toward a seller’s market.
| Postcode | % Under Offer |
|---|---|
| PE1 | 34% |
| PE2 | 39% |
| PE3 | 38% |
| PE4 | 41% |
| PE5 | 44% |
| PE6 | 42% |
| PE7 | 33% |
| PE8 | 36% |
As you can see, there's variation across postcodes—some areas are already behaving like seller markets.
We’re in a market where:
✅ Presentation matters
✅ Pricing needs to be spot on from day one
✅ Patience is essential
Overpricing can lead to a longer time on the market, price reductions, and reduced buyer confidence.
Good news:
The May 2025 interest rate cut (down by 0.25%) brings a boost to the market.
Why it matters:
First-time buyers benefit from reduced monthly payments
Home movers may use better fixed-rate deals to upsize or remortgage
Buy-to-let investors may find yields more attractive again
Overall buyer confidence is growing
Lenders are reacting too, with some 2-year fixed deals dipping below 3.5%, with 5-year deals not far behind.
This isn’t the mad rush of 2021 or 2022.
Now there's room to breathe… but don’t wait too long.
Tips for buyers:
Get a mortgage agreement in principle before offering — it gives you an edge.
Widen your search area to find value beyond the hottest streets.
Be realistic — the best homes still attract serious attention.
With a new Government settling in, softening inflation, and lower interest rates, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of stability.
Peterborough’s property market is returning to something more balanced, sustainable, and buyer-friendly — without losing momentum for sellers who play it smart.
Thinking of moving in 2025? Or just curious about the market?
We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching, drop us a line or leave a comment to join the conversation.
Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.
You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.