The number of sales agreed in May 2025 is running at its fastest rate in four years since the pandemic boom of 2021, sales are 6% higher than in May last year, according to Zoopla’s latest House Price Index.

There are 13% more homes on the market than a year ago and changes to mortgage affordability mean borrowers can afford to borrow 20% more than before.

Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, said: "More homes for sale means more buyers looking to move home. This, coupled with more attractive mortgage deals and changes to how lenders assess affordability, is supporting an increase in the number of sales being agreed.

“There are more sales and stronger house price increases in northern regions of England and Scotland, where homes are more affordable. In southern regions of England, affordability continues to weigh on price inflation and the number of sales being agreed.

“Sellers and buyers need to adopt different tactics based on where they live across the UK; however, all sellers need to keep their feet on the ground and be realistic on pricing expectations.

“We expect sales to keep rising over the second half of the year, with UK home values on track to be 2% higher by the end of the year.”

Zoopla’s house price index shows average UK house prices are 1.6% higher than a year ago at £268,250, an increase of £4,330 over 12 months. However, the average home sale is currently being agreed at 3% or £16,000 below the average asking price.