West London Property News

Summer 2025

ISSUE 15

Horton and Garton Estate Agents

A decisive summer for sellers

In Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush the sales market has been particularly active. We’ve seen double the number of homes come to market year-on-year, supported by a notable uplift in buyer engagement. Importantly, the recent changes to stamp duty incentivised buyers to remain committed to their purchases, helping chains hold firm and keeping fall-through rates low.

That momentum is reflected in our Rightmove performance: Horton and Garton is currently the number one agency for sales agreed year-to-date across W6 and W12.

This is a market that rewards decisiveness. Buyers are motivated and sellers who launch at the right price are reaping the benefits.

John Horton, Owner and Director

We’ve seen a sharp rise in flat sales. But that’s been driven by pricing adjustments. Vendors who keep pace with the market are meeting the buyers where they are.

Louise Jones, Sales Manager

In Chiswick, the story is one of subtle but strategic change. While valuations remain level year-on-year, new instructions are up 35%, a clear sign that sellers are making quicker decisions and moving with intent.

Adaptability is crucial; Rightmove’s June 2025 House Price Index reveals a rare 0.3% drop in average asking prices, a sign that sellers across the country are adjusting their expectations to meet current demand.

Price reductions have also played a role. While 70% of W6 stock saw reductions in Q2, the average cut was just 3.5%, with W4 tracking at 3%, measured corrections that reflect a maturing market rather than a faltering one.

We’re working with a smaller pool of stock, but demand hasn’t dropped off. That’s a challenge, but also an opportunity for landlords who are staying the course.

Aggie Tukendorf, Lettings Manager

Across our lettings portfolio, the market is tightening. We’re seeing fewer valuations, fewer instructions, and fewer new listings – a reversal of last year’s continuation of the post-pandemic surge.

Some landlords who had intended to sell are reconsidering as house prices plateau, choosing instead to return properties to the rental market. But overall, supply is shrinking.

Lettings time on market now averages just 2.5 weeks, and we’re seeing a high proportion of tenancies being renewed, a reflection of both he scarcity of homes available to move to and the strength of our property management team.

As rents stabilise and tenant expectations evolve, longer leases and managed relationships are becoming increasingly important. With the Renters Reform Bill still in the wings, landlords are seeking greater support and certainty and that’s where trusted local agents make all the difference.