How to Navigate Asking Prices

The housing market is off to a strong start in 2025, with average asking prices reaching £366,189 in January - a 1.8% increase compared to last year. While the market shows signs of growth, navigating asking prices can feel overwhelming, especially with rising competition among buyers and sellers. Here’s how you can approach it confidently and make informed decisions.

Understand market trends

It’s essential to know what’s happening in the market before making a move. January saw the largest price jump at the start of the year since 2020, driven by a record number of sellers entering the market. This means more choices for buyers, but it also means sellers must work harder to stand out.

Be Realistic as a Buyer

If you are a buyer, it’s important to recognise that asking prices are often flexible. With affordability constraints still shaping the market, sellers may be open to offers slightly below their asking price. Focus on properties within your budget and explore areas where prices are more competitive.

Present your home strategically as a seller

If you’re selling, ensure your property stands out. Buyers now have more choices than they’ve had since 2015, so presentation and a realistic asking price are key. Ensure your home is decluttered and styled with appeal to a broad audience. Highlight key features and consider virtual tours to attract online buyers. Finally, set a realistic asking price based on market trends and be open to negotiation for the best outcome.

Focus on affordability

Affordability remains a crucial factor in today’s housing market. Mortgage rates can fluctuate, directly impacting what buyers can afford. For buyers, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential to understanding your budget and acting confidently when you find the right property. Sellers should also keep affordability in mind, as changing rates influence buyer behaviour and what they’re willing, or able, to pay.

Stay informed and flexible

The housing market is dynamic, so staying informed about trends and being flexible in your approach can give you an advantage.

For more information and to discuss your options, get in touch today.

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       Dan Roberts 
 26/08/2026
 
 
  The team at Oviso, particularly Arran, were absolutely fantastic and made the whole process of applying for a mortgage really simple and straight-forward. As first time buyers, Arran made any and all time available to help answer questions and guide us through the process, it really felt that he had our best interest at heart through the entire process and no "sales" style pressure. A huge thanks and we will be recommending them to others looking for this service.
  
 
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 26/08/2026
 
 
  I recently enlisted the Help of Arran at Oviso for the purchase of my house. My job is unusual in that my wages can vary and some lenders are wary of that. Arran was brilliant in sourcing a lender that understood the nature of my job and were happy to lend. Throughout the process both he and Nicola were both pro-active with communication as well as being on hand to answer our shot questions and allay any worries we had. Arran really knows his stuff, and was able to explain everything to us simply, and in a way that wasn’t confusing with all the financial jargon that can get thrown around. With thanks to Arran, Nicola and the wider team at Oviso, we now have our wonderful home.
  
 
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 12/08/2026
 
 
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 10/08/2026
 
 
  We have just used Oviso for the sixth time in 15 years Every time we've moved or re mortgaged we have used them to get the best mortgage deal and life insurance policy. Each time the experience has been efficient, professional and friendly and all the advice we have received we feel has been delivered by expert's. Their customer service is faultless and we would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Thank you to Matt, Helen and all the team.
  
 
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 05/08/2026
 
 
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 23/07/2026
 
 
  Great service by Arran and the team, have had his help a few times now in the past 5 years, he and the team are always on hand to support and guide you through the journey with their knowledge and expertise.
  
 
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 22/07/2026
 
 
  This wasn’t the first time I’ve used Oviso and it certainly won’t be the last. Brilliant advice from Arran and efficient support throughout from Nicola.
  
 
      sean holland 
 22/07/2026
 
 
  We have recently re mortgaged and whilst staying with our existing lender should have been the easiest option it proved to be very difficult. I was then advised to try Oviso and we didn't look back. From an initial meeting with Matt at his office in Derby the whole process has been trouble and stress free. We can't thank the team enough
  
 
      Corey O'Hara 
 22/07/2026
 
 
  10/10 service from start to finish thank-you so much!
  
 
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 01/07/2026
 
 
  Great people to work with, sat in my new house now thanks to Arran, who widened what we thought was possible.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 150 reviews

How to Navigate Asking Prices

Understand market trends

Be Realistic as a Buyer

Present your home strategically as a seller

Focus on affordability

Stay informed and flexible

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