April has brought significant news for the UK housing market: asking prices for residential properties have reached an all-time high. According to Rightmove’s latest House Price Index, the average asking price for homes listed between March 9 and April 5 climbed to £377,182 a 1.4% increase month-on-month, and 1.3% higher than this time last year. 

For overseas buyers, investors, and property professionals, this shift highlights both new opportunities and fresh considerations. At Find UK Property, we’re unpacking what this surge means for the wider market and how you can still capitalise on smart investments across the UK in 2025.

Why Are House Prices Rising Again?

One of the main drivers behind this price surge was a rush of buyers racing to complete purchases before the end-of-March deadline, when temporary reductions in stamp duty came to an end. That brief window created a spike in completions, temporarily inflating demand and prices.

But the story doesn’t end there. Rightmove’s data shows that, despite the post-deadline cooldown, buyer interest is still 5% higher than this time last year, and the number of properties available for sale is up 4%. These trends suggest a market that remains active, albeit more price-sensitive.

What Does This Mean for Overseas Buyers?

If you’re based outside the UK and considering property investment, you’re likely asking:

• Am I too late to invest before prices go higher?
• How will stamp duty changes impact me?
• Is there still good value in UK property right now?

The good news is that not all areas are affected equally. While southern regions and some cities are seeing price pressure, affordable areas in the North — such as Lancashire, towns like Burnley and Blackburn as well as Greater Manchester, and West Yorkshire — still offer excellent investment value. These are precisely the markets where Find UK Property focuses its investment model, sourcing high-yield buy-to-let properties for overseas clients at accessible prices.

Regarding stamp duty: yes, overseas buyers still pay a 2% surcharge, but this is often offset by the strong rental returns and long-term capital appreciation seen in affordable regional areas. For many, the UK’s legal structure, rental demand, and economic stability continue to justify this cost.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Property industry leaders have responded positively, with some caution of course. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said the growth is “encouraging” and added that the spring and summer months typically bring renewed energy to the housing sector.

Tom Bill, Head of UK Residential Research at Knight Frank, urged sellers to stay realistic. With supply rising faster than demand in some regions, price sensitivity is returning — but falling mortgage rates could help sustain buyer interest throughout the year.

Phill Sandbach of John German estate agents observed strong performance in the Midlands, noting that “correct pricing is key” and that buyers are quickly turning away from overpriced properties.

Tom Brown, Managing Director at Ingenious Real Estate, echoed this point. He cited a notable shortage of inventory across different price brackets, especially in the affordable housing segment — which is continuing to attract renters and investors alike. Institutional buyers are particularly active, as their scale offers more resilience than small-scale landlords in today’s market.

What Smart Investors Should Focus On

Here’s what this means for investors, especially those overseas. 

1. Focus on Regional Value

The national average may be over £377,000, but in markets like Lancashire, you can still purchase tenanted properties under £80,000. These offer strong, stable rental yields — and lower exposure to the volatility seen in more expensive cities.

2. Be Ready to Act

In high-demand areas, properties that are priced correctly are selling quickly. If you’re buying from overseas, it’s crucial to have funds and documents ready so you can move when the right opportunity comes up.

3. Look Beyond Short-Term Headlines

Price increases may dominate the news, but the deeper story is the continued mismatch between housing supply and demand. This makes long-term rental investments in the UK especially attractive, even if interest rates fluctuate slightly over the coming months.

What’s Next for the UK Market?

The prospect remains cautiously positive. Although inflation and interest rate decisions from the Bank of England may introduce some headwinds, experts expect stable, modest growth through 2025. Sellers may need to price more realistically, but demand for affordable, rental-ready homes remains high — particularly in regional areas where demand continues to exceed supply.

At Find UK Property, we believe the next phase of the market belongs to buyers who know where to look. The northern regions we operate in continue to offer unmatched value, especially for those seeking a low-risk, fully managed property investment from abroad making them the wisest pick.

Considering Investing from Abroad?

At Find UK Property, we specialise in helping overseas buyers invest safely in UK property. Our team provides full purchase support, legal assistance, tenant management, and guaranteed rental income — all without the need for you to travel or manage the property yourself.

Whether you’re building a portfolio or just getting started, we help you invest in the right property, in the right location, at the right time. 

Have questions? Contact us for a free consultation and view the latest available properties across northern England.