Here in London, strong supply and proactive buyers are picking up the pace…this is a moment where decisive moves make real progress.

Confidence holds. Buyers move.

February delivered real momentum, which is ramping up in March. London is inundated with new listings.

All eyes are on SWAP rates (the behind-the-scenes rates that influence what lenders can offer) because of the major geopolitical events unfolding across the world. You might expect homemovers to hesitate in moments like this, but the conversations we are having in valuations, on viewings and in our local offices say otherwise. Astute buyers and sellers are pivoting fast. They know they have a clear choice to make right now.

The March market: act, or wait?

However global events complicate the expected base rate cut (essentially, whatever 19 March brings) there is real motivation in this market. If you're buying, you have two smart plays:

A word from our partner adviser, Alexander Hall:
Despite current market sensitivity, rates are still looking positive, and the outlook is still stronger than two years ago. In a volatile market, there is often hidden opportunity, and with the right expert guidance, you can make the most of it.

1. Sort your finances. If you are buying your first home, moving or transferring your existing mortgage, it's time to speak to an adviser. Most lenders will hold an Agreement in Principle offer for around six months, which means that, with the help of a good broker, you are able to move quickly when pricing shifts.
Swap rates have already begun to change, so the sooner you start, the better. Waiting for the perfect moment becomes a gamble once borrowing costs begin moving, so being financially ready gives you the power to act fast.

2. While supply is in your favour... Parts of the market move at very different speeds. Lenders react quickly to changing conditions, which means the cost of borrowing can shift within days. Prices, on the other hand, can take far longer to reflect wider events, so waiting for the headlines to settle rarely gives buyers an advantage.

Right now, London has exceptionally strong supply levels, and March is consistently the busiest month of the year. That gives you more choice and more room to make the right decision. Since most people move when life requires it, acting while supply is healthy, lenders have attractive options and the market is moving at a steady pace keeps you in control rather than leaving you to make decisions under pressure later on.

How a seller gets ahead in this market

Instruct Foxtons by 31 March and we will help you exchange 10% quicker.* Then, collect 20,000 Avios** towards your next getaway.

Start your journey

This is the audience you want. March's buyers are motivated and ready to buy. However, at the same time, there is a remarkable amount of supply on the market, which means you're not the only one looking for these excellent buyers to make a deal.

In a market with real demand and plenty of choice, speed and strategy will set you apart.

You will need absolutely spot-on pricing and standout presentation to get noticed, and everything organised meticulously to get the deal done.

So, line up your experts. A solicitor instructed early gets the legal work moving. A mortgage adviser gives you clarity on your finances and helps you move quickly in a mortgage market that changes daily. An agent driving every stage from listing to exchange guides your strategy and keeps your sale on track.

With everything in place from day one, you cut through delays and turn early interest into results.

Decisions beat delays

This is a market driven by people who genuinely need to move and are acting on that need. Well-prepared buyers are securing great homes and well-prepared sellers are meeting a motivated audience. Whatever your goal, acting decisively puts you in the best position to succeed.

* Source: TwentyCI data, average time to exchange on a property under £1m in 2025
** T&Cs apply

January set a fast pace. February is already moving even faster.

LONDON PROPERTY BUYERS IN JANUARY

Buyer demand rose across London, which is what you would expect at this time of year, although favourable sentiment across lenders and a greater push to list from sellers have given buyers everything they need for a particularly strong start.

LONDON MORTGAGE LENDERS IN JANUARY

Lenders' outlook had already been improving well before the base rate announcement. When the rate held by such a narrow margin accompanied by widespread optimism about predictions of future cuts, confidence strengthened further. Improving lender sentiment in February means more competitive mortgage products have returned, which eases affordability pressures for some buyers. (MoneyWeek)

Nationwide confirms, "affordability constraints have eased over the past year, thanks to earnings growth outpacing house price growth and also a steady decline in mortgage rates."

LONDON PROPERTY SELLERS IN JANUARY

Seller confidence is rising as well. London house prices rose by 2.8 per cent, and we are now entering the period Rightmove identifies as the best time of year to list for sale.

Nearly seven in ten homes that come to market in January, February and March go on to secure a buyer (68.9% in February, 68.8% in January and March). That pattern is significant, and Rightmove have tracked this trend consistently right back to 2012. Sellers at this time of year have good reason to feel confident and list more properties, which means:

"March came out as the busiest month overall for home-moving activity. It's the month with the largest number of properties newly listed on the market for sale, when most buyers come to market on average across the year, and when most overall sales are agreed" (Rightmove).

Because buyers are about to have many more options to compare, an ultra-refined and precise pricing strategy becomes essential. The homes that perform best launch with a strong strategy shaped by real market data and expert insight. Let us help you shape your strategy through a Foxtons valuation.

Buyers are motivated and mortgage options are improving

Across London we are seeing buyers arrive with stronger intent. First-time buyers are benefitting from more approachable lending options and returning movers are stepping back into the market with greater certainty. The December RICS Residential Market Survey showed seller expectations turning positive as the dust finally settles after the Autumn Budget.

There is movement nationally too. The Guardian reports that the average UK home price has now passed £300,000 for the first time, which reinforces the sense that the market is finding its rhythm again.

Why February is the best time to sell or buy in London

For buyers, this is the moment to get finances lined up and act decisively. For sellers, it is a chance to launch into a motivated market before spring brings more competition. February sits at the point where confidence, demand and timing align. With the right pricing and the right offer strategy, this can be the month that turns your intention into a successful move.

Now, your sale takes you further.
Instruct Foxtons as your sole agent, and when we sell your property, collect 20,000 Avios.*
Start your journey here.

Pent-up demand is driving activity. The Autumn Budget caused buyers to pause their decisions at the end of 2025. This created strong demand heading into January, which is already a seasonally busy month.

More buyers can enter the market. We've likely seen the peak of inflation, so the Bank of England made their second cut to the base rate in 2025 in December. Lenders responded with more mortgage options, including higher LTV products that require lower deposits (crucial for first-time buyers). Meanwhile, London wage growth is outpacing house price growth.

Sellers: accurate pricing is critical. The number of property listings is increasing as more sellers find their moment. With more choice available, buyers can easily compare value across their search area. Getting an updated valuation with pricing that matches current demand is essential to start your sale successfully.