Lancaster & Morecambe 01524 843322
Posted on Sunday, June 1, 2025
Welcome to the May Lancaster Property Market Update
What a glorious spell of sunshine we’ve enjoyed lately! Barbecues have been lit, parks have been full, and Lancaster has truly come alive with summer vibes. However, as lovely as this weather is for our personal lives, it often tells a different story in the world of property. Historically, when the sun shines, online house hunting takes a back seat—and this May has been no exception. Portal traffic has dipped, reflecting a seasonal trend we’re all familiar with.
That said, it’s not all sunshine and scroll fatigue. Encouragingly, the number of new instructions has hit a five-year high, giving buyers more choice than we’ve seen in quite some time. Sales, meanwhile, are keeping pace with this time last year—steady and consistent. And in even better news, for many buyers feeling the pinch of affordability, we’re now seeing a growing number of mortgage products available at rates below 4%, offering some welcome breathing space for those ready to make a move.
As we move further into summer, one concern continues to grow in my mind—the sheer volume of choice now available to buyers. With new listings at a five-year high and multiple new build developments springing up across the city, today’s buyers have more properties to compare than they’ve had in years.
And with more choice comes more selectiveness. I’m really starting to notice how buyer expectations are rising. Whilst I continue to champion sensible pricing—because no matter the market, the right price always matters—it's becoming just as crucial that homes look their very best internally. Presentation really does make a difference. From fresh paintwork to decluttered spaces, buyers are now making decisions based on how a home feels as much as how it’s priced.
Here are your key figures for May…
According to the latest figures from the Land Registry, the average property price in Lancaster now stands at £187,595—a modest but welcome increase of £1,191 month-on-month, effectively cancelling out the dip we saw in April. More importantly, prices are showing steady year-on-year growth, with an overall increase of 5.2% compared to this time last year. This suggests the market is gently strengthening, despite seasonal shifts in activity.
Looking deeper at the data, the standout performer over the last 12 months has been semi-detached homes, which have seen a significant price jump of 8.9% per square foot. With 175 sales in the past year and an average sale price of £213,298, this property type continues to be in strong demand—likely due to their family-friendly layouts and good value for money.
By comparison, terraced homes (the most popular by volume with 264 sales) have increased by 6.4%, while flats and apartments saw more modest growth at 3.4%. Detached homes, interestingly, saw a slight dip of 0.9% year-on-year, despite maintaining the highest average sale price at £386,048. This softening at the top end of the market could reflect rising supply and shifting buyer preferences as affordability becomes a key concern.
One trend that’s impossible to ignore is the rising supply of housing, thanks to the wave of new build developments popping up across South Lancaster. Areas like Bailrigg, Ashton Road and the edges of Scotforth are seeing fresh developments reshape the landscape.
These new homes—often with strong energy ratings and tempting developer deals—are giving buyers even more to choose from. That’s great for the market, but it does mean sellers are facing tougher competition. Buyers are comparing resale homes to sleek show homes, and presentation is playing a bigger role than ever.
We’ve also seen a noticeable dip in daily views on the property portals this month. The warmer weather has likely played a part—when the sun is shining, people tend to spend less time browsing online and more time enjoying the outdoors. This seasonal slowdown in digital activity doesn’t mean interest is gone, just temporarily distracted.
If you're thinking of selling, now’s the time to make sure your home is priced right and looking its best. In today’s market, it's the well-prepared properties that get the attention—and the offers.
There are currently 660 homes for sale in Lancaster, a significant rise from 464 this time last year, and well over double the 271 available in 2022. It’s a clear signal that today’s buyers are enjoying far more choice than in previous springs. However, with increased supply comes greater competition — and for sellers, this brings important considerations.
Of the homes currently on the market, 328 have been listed for over 12 weeks without a sale, indicating they may be struggling to attract the right attention. In contrast, those that have successfully found buyers have taken an average of 71 days to do so. The message is clear: sensible pricing, strong presentation, and a well-executed marketing strategy are essential if you want your home to stand out and sell in today’s more selective marketplace
As we head into June, Lancaster’s property market is showing a steady rhythm—more choice, consistent sales, and cautious optimism. For buyers, it’s a moment of opportunity: competitive mortgage rates, a wider selection of homes, and less urgency than last year mean they can explore options more thoughtfully.
For sellers, the key is preparation. With more homes available—including brand new builds—your property needs to shine. Price it right, stage it well, and don’t underestimate the power of first impressions. Presentation really is everything.
As always, if you’re unsure where your home sits in this shifting market or want honest advice tailored to your property, we’re here to help.
Call us on 01524 843322 or email michelle@jdg.co.uk
Let's chat soon
Michelle
Important notice for potential sellers
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