The spring market has arrived with a noticeably more balanced feel than we’ve seen over the past few years. Across Bath, Bristol and the surrounding Somerset countryside, the underlying theme is one of steady confidence rather than urgency.
After a period of uncertainty, we are now seeing more stock coming to the market, and importantly, more committed buyers returning. Nationally, house price growth is modest—generally expected to sit somewhere around 1–3% this year—and that very much reflects what I am seeing on the ground.
Locally, prices have been broadly stable over the past 12 months. This stability is, in many ways, healthy. It gives buyers confidence and allows people to make decisions without the pressure of a fast-moving market.
What is particularly interesting this spring is the return of discretionary buyers—those who paused plans in the last couple of years but are now re-engaging. I am seeing strong demand again from London families looking for more space and a different pace of life, especially in areas such as Clifton, the Chew Valley and around Frome and Bruton.
However, this is not a market where everything sells quickly. Buyers are more considered, more selective, and very sensitive to pricing. The best houses—well located, well presented and sensibly priced—are still attracting strong competition. Anything less than that can stay on the market so my message is to be realistic and to price your property to sell.
From my perspective, this is where local knowledge really matters. The differences between villages, streets and even individual positions within a village are becoming more important again. It is no longer just about “being in the right area”, but about being in the right spot within it.
Looking ahead, I expect the market to continue in this steady, quietly improving way. Mortgage availability is better than it was, and while there are always wider economic factors at play, there is a sense that people are adjusting and moving forward with plans again.
For anyone considering a move to this area, it is actually a very good moment—there is more choice than we have seen for some time, but still enough demand to underpin values.
And as ever, the key is knowing where—and how—to focus your search.
