Have you ever wondered why some houses in our corner of the world attract immediate interest like the last punnet of strawberries on a sunny day, while others sit quietly waiting for "the one"? It’s easy to assume that property prices only ever go up or down like a lift in a department store, but the truth is often found in the "energy" of the streets.
Right now, from the leafy paths around Stonards Hill to the bustling stretches of Valley Hill, the IG10 3 market is feeling remarkably balanced. It isn’t a wild scramble where buyers are tripping over each other, but it isn’t a ghost town either. We call this a "balanced market." Imagine a playground see-saw that’s perfectly level; neither the person selling nor the person buying has a massive advantage over the other. It’s a fair fight.
One of the best ways I can explain this to you is by looking at the current housing supply. If we stopped every new homeowner from putting their house up for sale today, the current stock levels in IG10 3 would provide enough choice for buyers to last for 7.1 months based on current demand.
This is a bit of a shift from last month, where the housing supply was tighter at 6.3 months of available stock. Because that figure has crept up past the six-month mark, it tells us that there is a healthy amount of choice for buyers. You aren’t being forced to make a life-changing decision in the time it takes to boil a kettle. You can actually take a moment to imagine where your sofa would go.
Speaking of the properties currently for sale, we have 62 homes looking for new owners across IG10 3. Whether you are looking near the quiet cul-de-sacs of The Lindens or the characterful homes on Southview Road, there is a decent bit of choice. Over the last month, we’ve seen about 9 homes find their match. To put that in perspective, about 14% of the total housing supply in the area is being successfully matched with buyers every single month.
Did you know that despite the steady pace of market activity, the prices people are actually paying are often higher than what you see on the initial adverts? While the average asking price sits at £465,434, the price people have actually paid over the last year averages out at £503,097. We’ve seen some incredible homes change hands recently, like a beautiful spot on Alderton Mews for over a million pounds, proving that people are still very much falling in love with IG10 3.
So, what does this mean for you?
If you are thinking of selling your home, the secret right now is acknowledging the competition for sellers. Your home will sell—people definitely want to live here—but with 61 neighbours also currently listed, you have to make sure your "shop window" looks its absolute best to stand out. Presentation is key when stock levels are this healthy.
If you are looking to buy, this is your "Goldilocks" moment. It’s not too hot and not too cold. You have more power to negotiate than you did a year ago because there is more choice for buyers. You don't need to feel pressured, though high-quality homes in prime locations still attract significant interest.
For my neighbours who are staying put, you can rest easy. High demand for our area, especially in spots like Southview Road and Valley Hill, means our neighbourhood remains a very desirable place to call home. The market is steady, sensible, and moving at a pace that lets everyone keep their cool.