My Bespoke Agent Posted: 4th March 2025

Is the Reading Property Market a Buyers’ or Sellers’ Market?

Is the Reading Property Market a Buyers’ or Sellers’ Market?

Are you a Reading homeowner considering a move in the next six to twelve months? Perhaps you're a buy-to-let landlord weighing up whether to expand or streamline your portfolio? Or maybe you’re a first-time buyer wondering if now is the right moment to take the plunge?

Whatever your position, knowing whether the Reading market is currently favouring buyers or sellers will help you make informed decisions.

For those who regularly follow my Reading property market updates, you'll know that the best way to measure whether we are in a buyers', balanced, or sellers' market is to analyse the proportion of properties marked as "Sold STC" or "Under Offer" compared to the total number of properties on the market.

For instance, if there are 300 Reading properties on the market, of which 100 properties are sold stc/under offer and 200 available properties, 100 as a percentage of 300, equates to 33.3%.

This percentage figure acts as a barometer for market conditions and can be analysed using this table:

  • Extreme Buyers' Market (0%-20%)
  • Buyers' Market (21%-29%)
  • Balanced Market (30%-40%)
  • Sellers' Market (41%-49%)
  • Hot Sellers' Market (50%-59%)
  • Extreme Sellers' Market (60%+)

How Does Reading Compare?

Looking at historical data from the website, The Advisory, which has tracked this metric for years, we can observe some key trends for each February. (For this exercise, Reading is RG1/2/4/6).

  • In the years before the pandemic (2018/19/20), Reading’s market hovered between 36% to 44% (remember the pandemic started in March 2020).
  • Demand rebounded post pandemic sharply in the summer of 2020, and continued into 2021 and 2022. In February 2021, the percentage had risen to 58% and in February 2022, it was at 67%.
  • However, with the fallout of the Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng budget in late 2022, by the time we got to February 2023, it had settled down to 49%. By February 2024, the figure had risen slightly to 53%.
  • Now, in February 2025, we see the figure sitting at 55%.

 

 

Implications for the Reading Property Market in 2025

For sellers: We are now in a Reading property market where patience and strategy are essential. Buyers have more choice (as I have spoken about many times recently in my Reading property market blog posts), meaning sellers must focus on pricing realistically and ensuring their home stands out. Overpricing will lead to extended time on the market (which seriously cuts down your chances of both selling and eventually getting your sale to exchange and completion).

That being said, well-presented and appropriately priced Reading homes continue to attract solid interest. With mortgage rates stabilising, there is confidence among buyers—but they are taking their time to make decisions. A proactive marketing approach, including virtual tours, strong photography, and digital exposure, will be key to securing a sale in a reasonable timeframe.

For Reading buyers: Those in the market for a Reading property in 2025 will find they have a little more breathing space compared to the frenzied activity of 2021/22. While desirable properties still attract competition, there are opportunities to negotiate on price or secure favourable terms, particularly on homes that have been on the market for a while.

I cannot stress the importance for any buyer to get your mortgage pre-approved before you start offering, as it seriously strengthens your position when making an offer. Also, consider broadening your search slightly—sometimes the best value can be found just outside the most sought-after areas.

With a new Government settling in and wider economic factors at play, there is much to consider for those looking to buy or sell in Reading this year. The property market remains resilient, but expectations need to be adjusted to this more stable, ‘normal’ environment.

Are you planning to move in 2025, then book a free valuation here: Request a Valuation | My Bespoke Agent or you can call us 0118 967 0005 email hello@mybepsokeagent.com

What are your thoughts on how the Reading property market will evolve? I’d love to hear your insights.

 

Require a Conveyancing Solicitor?

Require a Conveyancing Solicitor?

For an even smoother moving experience, we can introduce you to our network of trusted conveyancing solicitors. For a no-obligation introduction and Bespoke conveyancing quote, click below.

Bespoke Conveyancing

Read What Our
Customers Say

"

Selling my apartment whilst living abroad was a long and drawn out business filled with problems. But fortunately I had Bespoke Estate Agents working for me. Mark is an agent who goes above and beyond to make sure that you are always kept informed about every situation. Whilst putting in a lot of time and a huge amount of effort to make everything happen to ensure the sale progressed. Very highly recommended.

Melvin

"

The only way to sell your property! What a refreshing change! Right from the word go Mark proved himself to be outstanding in his approach. Our property was showcased brilliantly, including a personal video walk through, excellent photography, drone video both inside, and outside the property and the local area also sharing personal knowledge of the local area. The valuation process is researched thoroughly and shared with the seller. Mark kept us informed promptly. The property was marketed so quickly and viewings were booked the same day and every day after that. We were amazed. Well done Bespoke for standing out from the rest. We thoroughly recommend Bespoke Estate Agents for your best choice of Estate Agent.

Maxine

"

Brilliant service from start to end. Quick to respond and keep us up to date. Very good photos and descriptions given. Well organised with plenty of viewings and a very good rate - would definitely recommend!!!!

Tony P

"

The presentation of our property. The in care in keeping us full informed. Speed in finding a buyer. We loved the drone presentation.

Richard and Ann

"

You have been amazing -thank you so much for your professionalism, attention to detail, always keeping us informed and obtaining the price you did. Will definitely recommend you. Celia & Paul

Celia & Paul

"

“Bespoke Estate Agents were very informative on my initial meeting with them. Throughout the process of selling my home I was kept up to date with any feedback from potential buyers and felt that their knowledge and experience has made this notoriously stressful time much smoother for me. Always helpful and poIite with a very positive outlook I would highly recommend them.” - Jan Moloney.

Jan M

"

Really impressed with MyBespokeAgents! Mark and Oliver have been great at communicating to us about viewings and the sale progress. First week our flat was on the market and we received 3 offers (1 above asking!)! Very accommodating to us with timings and cats. Very personable people and very happy with the service! X

Amy C

"

A fantastic agent with a wealth of knowledge. No bias, just good old fashioned honest integrity. I would highly recommend Mark and his years of experience in finding the right home for the right buyer. 

Kay G

"

I dealt with Mark Heneghan as a buyer and found him to be excellent. Very thorough and professional. Overall, very happy. Thank you Mark.

Craig H

"

I have been dealing with Mark Heneghan who has been excellent from the start, available day and evening, answers all questions very promptly, has offered unbiased advice and generally has been easy to work with. Excellent service.

James C

"

Mark Heneghan's advice has been invaluable in assisting my family sell our late uncle's house. I would highly recommend him as a local property expert and certainly recommend Mark to anyone wishing to sell their home. Nothing has been too much trouble for Mark and with us living some distance away from the property this has made everything so much easier.

Suzanne M

"

We couldn't have asked for better service from Mark Heneghan. Our experience has been exactly as he promised in our initial meeting with him; personal, professional and enthusiastic. His experience and knowledge of property in this area and his availability to respond to our queries was particularly impressive. We would highly recommend working with him.

Sarah C

"

Mark Heneghan has been very supportive from start to finish. This was my first time selling, so I had plenty of questions! Answering my calls and emails any time of the day. I work full time, so I found this extremely useful. I have no hesitation in recommending purplebricks Mark. Thank you!

 

Vanessa

"

Mark is a fantastic guy to work with. I would most definitely recommend him to anyone who is thinking of moving

Clare Y

"

Mark leads by example and pushes all his to staff to achieve their best whilst offering his unconditional support throughout.

Charles R
How Much is Your Property Worth?

Discover the true value of your property with the top estate agents in Reading.

Unlock the potential of your property with a CONFIDENTIAL, FREE, NO-OBLIGATION valuation and marketing consultation from Reading’s top estate agents. Our experienced property experts provide an accurate assessment tailored to current market trends, ensuring you’re informed and confident in your next steps. Don’t just wonder—discover what your property is truly worth with a trusted team dedicated to helping you maximize value

Book a Valuation