It’s a question I get asked a lot at the moment…
“Is now a good time to move?”
And the honest answer is, it depends on who you are in the market.
Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying your first home, or even reviewing your rental portfolio, understanding who currently holds the upper hand in Lancaster can make a big difference to the decisions you make next.
So, let’s take a look at what the data is really telling us.
A Simple Way to Read the Market
One of the most reliable ways to understand the property market is to look at the percentage of homes that are “Sold STC” or “Under Offer” compared to the total number of homes available.
Think of it like this…
If there are 600 homes on the market, and 200 of them are sold subject to contract, that gives us a figure of 33%. That percentage acts as a barometer. It tells us whether buyers or sellers are in the stronger position.
- Below 30% – buyers tend to have the advantage
- 30%–40% – a more balanced market
- Above 40% – sellers start to regain control
If you take a look at the graph, you can actually see how that balance has shifted over the past couple of years.
What’s Happening in Lancaster?
Looking at the data shown in the graph, there’s been a clear change in pace.
- Q1 2023 – 45%
- Q1 2024 – 41%
- Q1 2025 – 33%
- Q2 2025 – 29%
- Q3 2025 – 41%
- Q4 2025 – 40%
- Q1 2026 – 39%
Right now, Lancaster sits at 39%, placing us at the top end of a balanced market. But here’s where it gets really interesting…
I’ve been saying for a while now that the Lancaster market, particularly LA1, is a bit of a story of two halves. And when you break the numbers down, you can really see that:
- LA1 – 48% (firmly a sellers’ market)
- LA2 – 30% (much more balanced)
Two very different markets sitting side by side. And it’s a great example of why looking at national headlines just doesn’t tell the full story.
What This Means if You’re Selling
The days of simply putting your home on the market and waiting for multiple offers have eased. Buyers have more choice now, which means your home needs to stand out.
The properties that are selling well in Lancaster right now tend to have three things in common:
- They are priced correctly from day one
- They are presented properly
- They are marketed in a way that reaches the right buyers
Pricing, in particular, is key.
Homes that come to the market at the right price are far more likely to sell—and much quicker too. And here’s something I often share with clients…
If a property hasn’t sold within those early weeks, its chances of selling start to drop quite quickly. The longer it sits, the harder it becomes to regain that initial momentum. So getting it right at launch really does matter.
What This Means if You’re Buying
For buyers, there’s definitely more breathing space than there was a couple of years ago.
You’ve got time to look, compare, and make more considered decisions. But don’t mistake calmer for easy. The best homes—the ones priced well and presented properly—are still attracting strong interest.
If you’re serious about buying, preparation is everything:
- Have your mortgage agreed in principle
- Be ready to move when the right home comes up
- And be open to looking just beyond the obvious hotspots
Some of the best value in Lancaster often sits just outside where everyone else is searching.
Final Thoughts
There’s a quiet sense of stability in the Lancaster market right now.
Yes, the wider economic picture still has its uncertainties. And no, we’re not seeing the same pace as a few years ago. But homes are selling.
And as the graph shows, we’re sitting in that balanced space where neither buyers nor sellers fully dominate. For me, the key message is simple… This is a market that rewards those who get the basics right.
If you’re thinking of moving in the next 6 to 9 months, it’s a great time to start planning. And if you’re not quite sure where you stand, that’s exactly the sort of conversation I’m always happy to have.
My name is Michelle Gallagher. At JDG we are always here to help. You can call me on 01524 843322 or email me at michelle@jdg.co.uk
Thanks for reading
Michelle x