A tale of two property types 

In 2025, the UK property market is seeing a notable widening in price between flats and houses. This growing gap is driven by changing buyer preferences, shifting demand, and evolving lifestyles all of which investors need to understand to stay ahead. 

Flats have traditionally been entry points for first-time buyers and popular with young professionals. Houses, on the other hand, appeal more to families and upsizers seeking space and outdoor areas. But the market’s current dynamics are accentuating their differences like never before. 

Why the price gap is growing 

Several factors explain why houses are pulling away in price: 

• Space and lifestyle: Post-pandemic priorities have shifted heavily towards space, both inside and out. Buyers want gardens, home offices, and flexible living spaces, which houses are far better positioned to provide. 

• Demand outstrips supply: Detached and semi-detached houses are in shorter supply in many areas, pushing prices up. Meanwhile, flat supply, particularly in city centres, remains stable or even increasing due to new developments. 

• Energy efficiency and running costs: Houses often offer better opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, appealing to cost-conscious buyers. 

• Local preferences: Regional variations affect the gap. In commuter belts and suburban areas, houses command a premium, while some city centres see more flat developments and competitive pricing. 

How investors are adapting 

Property investors are responding strategically: 

• Focusing on houses in growth areas: Investors are targeting family homes in regions with strong demand, such as the Midlands and North, where rental yields on houses often outperform flats. 

• Choosing quality flats with amenities: In cities, modern flats with concierge services, gyms, and secure parking remain attractive, particularly for young professionals and students. 

• Renovation and conversion projects: Some investors are converting larger houses into multiple flats or upgrading older flats to appeal to discerning renters seeking better quality. 

• Energy upgrades: Investors increasingly retrofit properties to improve EPC ratings, making flats and houses more appealing in a market where energy costs and regulations matter. 

What this means for the market 

The growing price gap reflects deeper shifts in lifestyle and demand. For buyers and renters, it means weighing priorities carefully. For investors, it means staying agile and informed aligning their portfolios with evolving preferences. 

 
Looking to invest wisely? Let’s tailor a strategy for today’s changing market 

Summer's here, and so are the buyers 

Longer days and sunnier skies make summer one of the best times to sell. Homes look brighter, gardens bloom, and buyers are more motivated to make their move before the year gets away from them. 

But this year, it’s not just about mowing the lawn or throwing open a few windows. Today’s buyers have high expectations and with a steady, competitive market, first impressions can make all the difference. 

Here’s how to make your property feel as fresh and inviting as the season itself. 

Light is your secret weapon 

There’s no better season to let natural light do the heavy lifting. Pull back the curtains, clean the windows (yes, inside and out), and pack the heavy drapes. If you’ve got a viewing on a grey day, add warm-toned lamps and mirrors to bounce light around. Buyers want to feel uplifted the moment they step inside. 

In summer 2025, "light and bright" isn’t just a style it’s an expectation. 

Cool, calm and clutter-free 

Your home should feel like a calm retreat not an overcrowded space. Put away the winter extras: heavy blankets, boots, and bulky coats. Pare things back so each room feels open and breathable. Think hotel suite rather than storage unit. 

Want bonus points? Use light linens, breezy fabrics, and a gentle colour palette to evoke a cooler, fresher feel. After all, summer is all about simplicity. 

Your garden is your greatest asset 

Whether you have a large garden or a petite patio, this is your moment to shine. Outdoor space is high on buyer wishlists, and during summer, it becomes an extension of your living space. 

• Mow the lawn 

• Trim hedges and tidy flower beds 

• Set up a small seating area with cushions or a table set 

• Add a few pots of fresh herbs or colourful plants 

Even a balcony can become a highlight with fairy lights, folding chairs, or a hanging plant or two. You're not just selling square footage you’re selling lifestyle. 

Stage for summer living 

Set the table as if you're about to enjoy an alfresco brunch. Leave the patio doors open (weather permitting). Have fresh fruit in a bowl, a jug of lemonade on the counter, or a gentle citrus scent in the air. 

These subtle cues help buyers picture themselves living there not just viewing. 

Don’t forget the small touches 

Buyers will notice the details. Make sure doors open smoothly, fans are dust-free, and the home smells clean, not overly scented. Consider adding a small welcome mat or switching heavier art for lighter, seasonal prints. 

These changes may seem small, but they help create an experience and that’s what really sells. 

 
Selling this summer? Let’s get your home season-ready 

Small details, big impressions 

There’s something reassuring about a steady property market. It gives sellers a chance to breathe, to plan, and to approach the selling process with purpose rather than panic. But that doesn’t mean you can coast. Today’s buyers are informed, decisive, and expect homes to do more than just tick boxes they want to fall in love. 

Preparing your home to sell isn’t just about cleaning and decluttering (though that’s part of it). It’s about creating a story. Stand out homes are the ones that feel cared for, lived in but with just enough polish to let someone else imagine living there next. 

It starts on the pavement 

Kerb appeal may be a cliché, but it is so for a reason. That first glimpse from the street sets the emotional tone. A freshly painted front door, a tidy pathway, and even a blooming pot plant can make your property feel like a welcome, not just a building. 

Buyers aren’t just buying a structure they’re buying into a lifestyle. The outside tells them whether it’s a lifestyle they want. 

Your home’s story matters 

Think beyond square footage. Buyers want flow. They look for warmth. Show them how each room works. That corner nook? Style it as a reading spot. The awkward extra room? Turn it into a stylish home office or yoga retreat. You’re not just showing space; you’re showing possibility. 

Homes that sell fastest often have a clear, cohesive message. They’re not just clean they’re curated. 

Brighten it up like it’s showtime 

Natural light sells. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Pull back the curtains, clean those windows, and let the daylight in. For darker rooms, add warm-toned lamps or reflective accents like mirrors to bounce light around - “bright and airy” isn’t a luxury it’s an expectation. 

Buyers buy energy too 

Not just the vibe but the actual energy rating. EPCs are becoming a deal-maker (or breaker). If your property is energy efficient, don’t bury that lead. Highlight double glazing, smart thermostats, or low-energy appliances in your listing. It’s not just about the environment it’s about saving money. That’s a win-win narrative every buyer likes. 

Don’t forget the emotional pitch 

In the age of AI-generated listings and data-heavy portals, emotion still sells homes. A warm scent (hello, fresh bread or vanilla candles), soft textures, and personal touches subtle, not overpowering can help buyers feel at home before they’ve even unpacked. 

You’re not just presenting a house. You’re handing over a future. 

 
Selling this summer? Let’s make your home unforgettable