How much would it cost to buy all the homes in Reading?

This interesting question was posed by one of my Reading landlord’s teenage daughters when they stopped by for a visit just before the Christmas break (doesn’t that seem an age away now?).

I didn't know the answer off the top of my head, yet I promised I would find out. So, over the Christmas holidays, I worked out the total value of all the properties in Reading and, just for a bit of fun, worked out how much they have gone up in value since his daughter was born in the autumn of 2010. 

In the last 14 years, the total value of Reading property has increased by 83%,

or £16.178 billion, to £35,671,523,146 (or £35.671 billion). 

Interestingly, the FTSE100 stock market has only risen by 38.5%. When I compared it to inflation (i.e. the UK Retail Price Index), this had risen by 51.1% during the same 14 years. 

When I looked deeper into the numbers, 

The average price currently being paid for

a Reading home stands at £432,765.

 (Reading being, for this exercise, all homes within a 4-mile radius of the town centre and the average price paid in the last three months).

But regular readers of my Reading property market blog articles know me. I wasn't going to stop there, so I split the property market down into the individual property types in Reading. The average numbers come out like this. 

The Reading property market reveals an intriguing dynamic when comparing the total value contributions of different property types. 

• Detached houses have an average value of £654,768 and a total of £11.225 billion.
• Semi-detached houses, with an average value of £438,802, contribute £11.152 billion.
• Terraced and townhouses, averaging £349,360, collectively amount to £7.857 billion.
• Apartments, with an average value of £256,297, still contribute a substantial £5.436 billion.

This remarkable growth in property values over the past decade and a half reflects the fundamental strength of Reading's property market. But what does this mean for homeowners, homebuyers, and landlords as we move into 2025 and beyond?

The Reading property market remains underpinned by several key factors that ensure its resilience, even amid broader national and global economic uncertainties. Property ownership continues to be a stable and rewarding long-term investment for Reading homeowners, buyers and landlords. While market conditions may fluctuate in the short term, history has shown that property values in Reading tend to weather these ups and downs and emerge stronger over time.

A Growing Rental Market in Reading

For landlords, the rental market in Reading remains an area of significant opportunity. Demand for rental properties is robust, driven by population growth, changing lifestyle preferences, and continued interest in the area from those seeking a quieter pace of life (compared to major cities). This demand keeps rental yields steady, offering landlords a reliable income stream and the potential for capital growth.

As Reading continues to attract young professionals and families due to its excellent transport links, quality schools, and a sense of community, the appetite for quality rental homes remains strong. For landlords considering expanding their portfolios, now may be an excellent time to explore options in Reading's semi-detached or terraced housing market (even apartments if the service charge is reasonable), which provides a good balance of affordability and rental potential.

Supply and Demand of New Homes in Reading

Another reason for optimism is Reading's persistent undersupply of new housing. I know some of you will say some parts of Reading have looked like a building site for months, yet the fact is, we aren't building enough new homes in the town. With demand consistently outstripping supply, property values are thus supported, reducing the likelihood of significant price drops.

Borrowing Costs to Buy Reading Homes

Although interest rates are higher compared to recent years' historic lows, they remain very manageable by historical standards. For those looking to buy their home in Reading, this can still represent an opportunity to secure a mortgage and move up the property ladder.

Meanwhile, the Bank of England's continued efforts to stabilise the wider British economy offers  hope that rates may drift downwards, further boosting buyer confidence. Beyond the financial figures, Reading has a lot to offer. Continued investment in local infrastructure, schools, and public amenities enhances its appeal as a place to live, work, and invest.

As always, navigating the Reading property market can be complex. Whether you're considering buying, selling, letting, or even investing in buy-to-let, making informed decisions is essential. If you'd like to discuss your property related goals or have questions about the Reading property market, I'd be happy to help. My door is always open for a no obligation chat.