The Lancaster Property Market Update | April 2025

Spring has arrived, and with it, a fresh chapter for the Lancaster housing market. There's much to consider for homeowners and would-be movers, especially following the recent changes to stamp duty. In case you missed it, the nil-rate threshold has now fallen back to £125,000 (down from £250,000), with first-time buyers seeing their exemption limit reduced from £400,000 to £300,000.

There were initial concerns that these changes might dampen the market. However, the reality paints a far more optimistic picture: this April, over 37% more homes have sold compared to the same time last year, with sales volumes also up by 19% on March. It’s clear that confidence remains firmly rooted, despite the turbulence seen elsewhere.

Much has been said about the global uncertainty fuelled by the latest chaos surrounding Donald Trump, but here in Lancaster, the housing market has shown remarkable resilience. Although affordability remains a consideration for many, there is growing hope that mortgage rates will soon ease further, offering buyers renewed encouragement.

Today, buyer choice is at a 10-year high, giving purchasers more options than we have seen for some time. That said, serious buyers are still acting — though with a slightly more measured approach. Homes that are sensibly priced are continuing to sell, and often quicker than many might expect.

So, my advice remains simple: price wisely and you will find a buyer.

Here are your key figures for April

Property Prices: A Measured Perspective

 According to the latest figures from the Land Registry, the average property price in Lancaster now stands at £186,404 — a modest month-on-month dip of £1,217. However, when viewed in the broader context, prices remain resilient, showing a 5.2% increase compared to this time last year.

Interestingly, semi-detached homes have recorded the strongest growth in price per square foot over the past 12 months, while detached properties have seen a slight decline — a trend that may come as a surprise to some.

These figures are drawn from 608 property sales officially recorded by the Land Registry over the past year, giving us a solid foundation for analysis.

The average price per square foot in Lancaster is now £219, which aligns closely with the North West regional average of £218 — a reassuring sign that Lancaster’s market continues to perform steadily within the wider region.

Buyer demand: A Closer Look

Buyer demand (as shown below) remains steady, mirroring levels seen this time last year. What’s changed is supply — there are far more homes on the market, giving buyers more choice and prompting a more measured approach.

Since January 2020, around 18.5% of Lancaster homes have sold each month. The quietest point came in April 2020, when just 2.3% sold. The busiest? March 2022, with 34% of homes snapped up.

In April 2025, 14.9% of listed homes sold — a touch below the long-term average, but a slight rise on March, suggesting stable interest and a market that’s still moving.

Property choice and Timescales

 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

In April, 105 homes successfully sold across Lancaster, with 19 different estate agents involved. I’m incredibly proud to share that Team JDG played a key role in 28 of those sales — a testament to the dedication and results we consistently deliver. 

Over the past 12 months, one in four homes that sold in Lancaster did so through us. We’re also seeing clear patterns in buyer preferences: demand remains high for properties with gardens, and we’ve noted a growing interest in homes that feature kitchen-diners — spaces that offer both practicality and sociability. 

So far this year, we’ve registered over 700 new buyers, all actively looking for their next home. At JDG, we offer more than just experience — we deliver a truly personal service, and we’re proud to be Lancaster’s only ethically approved estate agent. If you’re thinking of selling, or simply want some advice, we’re here to help.

Call us on 01524 843322 or email michelle@jdg.co.uk

Thanks for reading

Michelle

Important notice for potential sellers 

We're proud to inform you that we've been ranked among the top 2% of all estate agents in the UK for the fifth consecutive year.

This is the highest accolade any UK estate agent can receive, and it's based on marketing, service, and results and is judged against all other agents across the country.   

On average, we achieve 1.4% more for our clients than other agents in our area, a key reason to_ choose us for a successful property sale!