Is Lancaster a Buyers’ or Sellers’ Property Market?
May 2025 Property Market Insight
Are you thinking about moving home in Lancaster? 🏠 Maybe you’re a landlord debating whether to grow your portfolio or cash in. Or perhaps you’re a first-time buyer wondering if now is the right moment to make your move.
The big question we’re being asked this spring is this:
Is it a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market in Lancaster?
Let’s break it down using a reliable measure we use at JDG – the percentage of homes on the market that are Sold STC or Under Offer. It’s a powerful indicator of local property demand and who currently holds the upper hand.
📈 The Numbers Behind the Market
Each year on the 1st of May, we track how many homes are sold subject to contract versus how many are still available. Here’s what that looks like over recent years:
- 2018: 26%
- 2019: 29%
- 2020: 20% (Lockdown effect)
- 2021: 58% 🔥
- 2022: 62% 🚀
- 2023: 39%
- 2024: 36%
- 2025: 34%
To help interpret this, we use the following market thermometer:
- 🧊 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%+
With Lancaster sitting at 34%, we are firmly in balanced market territory ⚖️ — a place where neither buyers nor sellers have the upper hand.
🔍 Spotlight on Local Postcodes
If we dive deeper, the story gets even more interesting:
- LA1: 40% – right on the edge of a sellers’ market
- LA2: 28% – dipping into buyers’ market territory
This variation shows how location matters more than ever, even within Lancaster itself.
💡 What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling, success starts with getting your pricing, presentation, and marketing spot-on. Buyers are out there, but they have more choice and are more price-sensitive.
Top tips for sellers:
- Price realistically from the start
- Ensure your photos and virtual tours shine ✨
- Make your home stand out online and in person
The recent interest rate cut (down 0.25%) is encouraging news. 🏦 It’s helping more buyers re-enter the market with better mortgage deals, boosting overall confidence.
💬 Advice for Buyers
Buyers — this is your moment to act with a calm and strategic mindset. You’re not racing in a frenzy like in 2021, but the best homes still sell quickly.
✅ Get your mortgage agreement in principle
✅ Be ready to move fast on the right home
✅ Look beyond the usual hotspots — there’s value to be found!
💬 Our Final Thought
Lancaster’s property market in May 2025 is steady and sensible. We’ve moved away from the highs of the pandemic boom and the lows of economic uncertainty. Instead, we’re now seeing a more balanced and healthy market that works for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re curious about your next step — whether buying, selling, or just watching the market — we’d love to help. Drop us a message or give us a call 📞 on 01524 843322.
Thanks for reading
Michelle x