Pic – Ponding the numbers
An Oswestry & Shropshire Property Market Insight from Daniel James Residential
If you like data, this one is for you.
The UK housing market in 2025 was shaped by affordability pressures, lifestyle decisions and a return to realism. By examining ten key national statistics — and combining them with what we have seen on the ground in Oswestry and across Shropshire — a clear and practical picture emerges for homeowners, buyers and sellers alike.
At Daniel James Residential, we believe that understanding both national trends and local market behaviour is essential to achieving the best outcome.
1. Halloween Was the Busiest Moving Day of 2025
Halloween (31st October) was the busiest day to move home in the UK, with approximately 24,700 completions, compared with a daily average of 5,000. Fridays were the most popular day of the week, accounting for 27% of all moves.
Oswestry & Shropshire insight:
Locally, we saw strong autumn demand, particularly between August and October. Sellers who launched correctly during this period often benefited from motivated buyers looking to complete before Christmas, especially in Oswestry and nearby villages.
2. Movers Stayed Closer to Home
The median distance moved fell to just 10 miles in 2025, continuing a year-on-year decline. The average removals cost was £709, reinforcing the trend toward local relocations.
Local insight:
This strongly reflects the Shropshire market. Many moves were within the county — downsizers staying close to family, upsizers remaining within school catchments, and buyers relocating short distances from the West Midlands into North Shropshire for better value and space.
3. Regional Cities Led Demand — Shropshire Benefited
Birmingham was the most popular UK destination, followed by Manchester and Bristol.
Shropshire impact:
As prices in Birmingham and surrounding commuter belts remain high, Shropshire — particularly Oswestry and rural North Shropshire — continues to attract buyers seeking character homes, countryside living and improved work-life balance without sacrificing connectivity.
4. First-Time Buyers Drove the Market
First-Time Buyers accounted for 58% of all UK buyers in 2025.
- Average purchase price: £275,594
- 11% bought new-build homes
- 7% used Shared Ownership
Oswestry insight:
First-Time Buyer demand remained resilient in Oswestry, where pricing remains more accessible than many regional cities. Two- and three-bedroom homes in good condition attracted strong interest, particularly when realistically priced.
5. Yorkshire Gained the Most Movers — London Lost the Most
Yorkshire & the Humber saw +32% net migration, while London recorded -62%, driven largely by cost-of-living pressures.
Shropshire comparison:
Shropshire continues to quietly outperform expectations, attracting buyers leaving London and the South East — often equity-rich movers drawn to lifestyle, space and value rather than short-term investment returns.
6. Downsizers Played a Major Role
Downsizers made up 27% of all home movers, releasing an average of £129,000 in equity.
Shropshire insight:
Downsizing was a major driver of activity in Oswestry and surrounding villages. Bungalows, single-storey living and low-maintenance homes were particularly sought after, with many sellers using released equity to support retirement or family.
7. Upsizing Became Significantly More Expensive
The biggest financial leap was moving from a three-bedroom to a four-bedroom home, costing an average of £178,132 nationally.
Local reality:
In Shropshire, limited supply of quality four-bedroom homes — especially those offering home office space, gardens and semi-rural settings — meant competition remained strong, even in a more measured market.
8. Cash Buyers Remained Influential
Cash buyers accounted for 19% of all UK purchases. Notably, 10% of First-Time Buyers bought without a mortgage.
Shropshire insight:
Cash buyers were particularly active in rural areas and higher-value village locations, often relocating from more expensive regions or downsizing locally.
9. Moving Costs Hit Record Levels
The average cost of buying and selling a home in 2025 reached £17,831, including Stamp Duty, estate agency fees, legal costs, surveys and removals.
What this means locally:
With higher transaction costs, correct pricing and strong marketing from day one became critical. In Oswestry and across Shropshire, homes that launched well achieved far better results than those that required later price reductions.
10. Investor Activity Remained Subdued
Investors accounted for just 4% of UK purchases, reflecting higher taxes, borrowing costs and regulation.
Shropshire view:
The local market in 2025 was driven overwhelmingly by owner-occupiers rather than investors, providing greater stability and fewer speculative transactions.
What This Means for Oswestry & Shropshire Homeowners in 2025
The 2025 property market was defined by realistic pricing, local moves and lifestyle-led decisions. Shropshire performed steadily due to:
- Strong First-Time Buyer demand
- Consistent downsizing activity
- Inward migration from higher-priced regions
- Continued appeal of rural and village living
At Daniel James Residential, our experience across Oswestry and Shropshire confirms that local expertise, honest advice and proactive marketing make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.
Thinking of Selling Your Home in Oswestry or Shropshire?
If you would like a professional, no-obligation valuation and tailored advice based on current market conditions, you can book directly with us here:
👉 https://www.danieljamesresidential.com/book-a-valuation/
Daniel James Residential
Estate Agents in Oswestry & Shropshire
Local knowledge. Strategic marketing. Trusted results.
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