There has been a rise in the number of Huddersfield homes for sale, with 589 available today, up from 469 in July 2023. Meanwhile, buyer enquiries have also increased.

Huddersfield town centre + 2 miles.

This subtle increase in the supply of Huddersfield homes on the market offers Huddersfield buyers more choice and has helped prevent bidding wars that inflate prices. Yet demand remains strong, supported by population growth, longer life expectancy, lifestyle changes, and the ongoing desire for homeownership. This equilibrium of supply and demand is stabilising prices, not sending them into freefall. You see, one of the main reasons UK house prices dropped in late 2007 was the high level of homes on the market. In July 2007, there were 1,022 homes for sale in Huddersfield!

Meanwhile, the rental market is adding another layer of support. High rents have prompted many tenants to consider buying as a more cost-effective long-term option. This has boosted first-time buyer numbers, especially in areas where house prices remain relatively affordable, like Huddersfield. Some Huddersfield landlords are also exiting the market, which reduces rental stock, drives up rents further, and makes buying more appealing.

Of course, there are variations across the UK. Some parts of London and the South have seen a softening in house prices over the last few years, as affordability pressures and changes to stamp duty and landlord taxation have taken a greater toll. However, many regions, particularly those in the North of England, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, continue to experience modest house price growth. Regional disparities will always exist, but they don't change the national picture, which is one of moderation, not meltdown.

Could a house price crash still occur?

It's not impossible, but the necessary conditions are not present. To see a genuine crash, we would need a perfect storm: a sharp rise in unemployment, a sudden spike in interest rates, a collapse in mortgage availability, and a wave of forced sales. None of those elements are currently on the horizon.

Even the risks that do exist, i.e. slower-than-expected rate cuts, changes to government housing policy, or economic shocks from abroad, would likely lead to stagnation or small dips, rather than a crash. The foundation of the UK housing market is far stronger than it was in 2008 or the late 1980’s. There is no subprime mortgage crisis, no rampant overborrowing, and no glut of unsold new builds.

In conclusion, although the UK housing market in 2025 is not without its challenges, the data and trends indicate a firm direction towards stability. A crash remains highly unlikely. Most regions are expected to experience slow but steady growth. Some pricier areas may dip slightly. But overall, the narrative for 2025 is one of cautious optimism. Buyers and sellers alike would do well to tune out the crash headlines and focus on what the numbers are saying.

If you're planning to move, buy, or invest this year, opportunities abound, especially if you understand your local market and take a long-term perspective. This is a normalising market, not a collapsing one.