🏠 Record Asking Prices ≠ Record Demand
Rightmove reported that asking prices in May 2025 reached a new high:
£379,517 (average across Great Britain)
— yet the monthly gain was only 0.6%, one of the lowest increases in years.
Source: The Guardian, citing Rightmove market data (May 2025).
So yes, sellers are listing high…
But buyers aren’t chasing.
Why?
- More stock available (more sellers listing)
- Buyers becoming more selective
- Higher mortgage affordability checks
- Investors prioritising cash flow, not speculation
High prices + low urgency = negotiation power for investors.
📉 Sellers Are Pricing Emotionally. Investors Are Buying Logically.
In 2021–2022, people bid aggressively because:
- Cheap borrowing made bad deals look good
- Fear of missing out (FOMO) drove demand
But in 2025:
- Rates remain stabilised at higher levels
- Investors are protective and analytical
- Cash flow matters more than price increases
This creates a new dynamic:
| 2022 Seller Market | 2025 Buyer Advantage |
| “Highest offer wins.” | “Best prepared buyer wins.” |
| Emotional bidding | Data-led negotiation |
| Buyers chased deals | Sellers chase buyers |
🎯 Investor Insight
When asking prices go up but urgency goes down…
✅ discounts increase
✅ negotiation leverage increases
✅ motivated sellers stand out
🔎 Why High Asking Prices Actually Help Investors
Think of asking price as:
“What the seller hopes for”
not
“What the market supports.”
More listings = more competition among sellers.
More competition = bigger discounts.
| Market Factor | Impact on Investors |
| Rising asking prices | Sellers expect high offers |
| Slowing monthly growth | Buyers offer less |
| Increased supply | More choice + better terms |
🤝 The “Buyer Advantage Window” (May–July 2025)
Rightmove stock levels show more available properties than any time since pre-pandemic levels.
Why this matters:
- Sellers who listed too high get nervous after 21–30 days.
- Price reductions follow.
- Investors who stay disciplined win.
Patience + data = discount.
🧮 Example: Real Negotiation Outcome
| Property | Asking Price | Final Investor Offer | Result |
| 3-bed terrace, Nottingham | £235,000 | £219,500 | Accepted |
| Savings | £15,500 |
Why accepted?
Because the seller prioritised certainty of completion over gambling for an overinflated offer.
📌 Investor Blueprint: How to Take Advantage of This Market
Use the 3P Method:
- Probe — Identify overpriced listings
- Prove — Use data (DOM, comparables, rental demand)
- Propose — Make a firm but justified offer
Most investors wrongly ask:
“How do I find a cheap property?”
The pros ask:
“How do I find a motivated seller?”
🧠 Your Competitive Edge Right Now
- You’re not competing with emotional buyers.
- Investors who have decision clarity and proof of funds are the preferred buyers.
- Agents prioritise buyers with certainty, not the highest price.
🔧 How We Help Investors Navigate May–July
We source:
✅ Deals where we know seller motivation
✅ Properties already priced incorrectly
✅ Opportunities with value-add potential (EPC uplift, light refurb, rental optimisation)
Every deal includes:
- ROI sheet
- Rental comparables
- EPC path (upgrade costed if needed)
- Exit/refinance strategy
We take the guesswork out of investing.
📞 Book a Property Strategy Session
If you want access to pre-qualified investment deals (before they hit the market):
👉 https://app.apollo.io/#/meet/paulyata
Final Thought
Record asking prices sound intimidating.
But in reality?
High prices + low urgency = leverage.
In 2025, buyers don’t win by offering more.
They win by offering certainty and speed.
