Country House Sales Climb as UK Buyers Seize Bargains

The UK’s country house market is showing signs of recovery, with a 7% rise in sales of homes over £750,000 in June compared to last year. The increase is largely due to falling prices, which are drawing buyers back after a period of subdued demand.
Knight Frank reports that the market is also seeing more properties listed for sale, thanks to second-home owners responding to new council tax rules. These changes, particularly in Wales and England, are designed to make housing more accessible for locals.
The second quarter saw a 9% jump in country homes coming to market, giving buyers more choice and negotiating power. Average prices have dropped 3.5% in the past three months, accelerating the market’s shift.
James Cleland of Knight Frank says that pricing is key: buyers are quick to act on well-priced homes, but slow to move on those that aren’t. With only 5.9 buyers per listing, the market now favors purchasers for the first time in years.