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How Buyers and Renters Can Capitalise on This New Phase in the South West Residential Market
7th July 2025
Introduction
Mid-2025 has ushered in a balanced era for the South West’s residential market. Price corrections in coastal hotspots, modest annual growth and slight mortgage rate reductions create a setting where both buyers and renters can win. Here’s how to make the most of it.
1. Tax-Driven Price Corrections Offer Negotiation Leverage
Council-tax hikes on second homes - up to 100% in some areas of England - have squeezed investor demand. In Torquay and Truro, this has translated into 10–15% price cuts as owners scramble to attract genuine buyers. Properties can now sit longer on the market -sometimes over a year - empowering purchasers to negotiate hard. For sellers, it’s imperative to price realistically or risk extended listings that can easily go stale in a competitive selling market.
Source: thetimes.co.uk
2. Region’s Low Annual Growth Means Predictability
Nationwide’s June data shows the South West’s annual house-price increase at just 0.9%—the slowest in England. This compares with Northern Ireland’s 9.5% and the North East’s 6.4%. While headline figures might suggest sluggishness, stable growth reduces the risk of overpaying and simplifies mortgage budgeting. Moneyweek.com suggests that buyers can lock in 2–5-year fixed rates now, confident that modest regional inflation will help maintain affordable repayments.
Source: moneyweek.com
3. Mortgage Rates Easing and Rental Market Dynamics
The 0.8% monthly national price drop in June coincided with slight rate decreases from lenders and market expectations of rate cuts later in 2025. For renters, private rents in the South West rose around 4–5% year-on-year - below many urban markets - so negotiating longer leases or rental incentives can yield savings. Comparing total monthly costs (mortgage vs. rent plus utilities and council tax) will clarify which path best suits your long-term goals.
Source: theguardian.com
Actionable Tips for Buyers and Renters
Leverage market softness: Negotiate! Consider price, incentives & terms. For new homes discuss incentives, legal fee's and stamp duty.
Expand your search: Consider flats, terraces, semis or smaller villages where values are firming but still accessible.
Plan for seasonality: Coastal and tourist areas have peak and off-season cycles - consider aligning your move with lower-activity months to avoid inflated rates.
Conclusion
This phase isn’t about a market crash—it’s about a more level playing field. Whether you’re buying your first home, downsizing or renting by the coast, the South West’s unique combination of price adjustments, stable growth and mortgage relief rewards savvy, informed moves. Connect with a local expert to craft a strategy that maximises value and secures the right property for your lifestyle.
Your South West home awaits...
Why Now Is the Time for Home Buyers to Move to the South West
2nd July 2025
Introduction
Recent data shows the South West is uniquely poised for home buyers seeking value, stability, and lifestyle. From coastal gems like Torquay to market stalwarts like Dorset, price movements and low inflation are aligning to create an ideal buying environment.
Price Dips in Torquay & Truro: A Buyer’s Advantage
Zoopla’s June report reveals Torquay prices down 2.7% and Truro down 1.3% year-on-year. With second-home taxes squeezing investors, genuine buyers now command stronger negotiating power—translating into deposit concessions or inclusions of key fixtures. thetimes.co.uk
Sandbanks vs. Surrounds: Balancing Prestige & Practicality
Sandbanks remains the UK’s priciest coastal market at £1.28 million—potentially out of reach for most. However, adjacent areas like Canford Cliffs (£975k) and Lower Parkstone offer coastal lifestyle at a relative discount, along with stronger community infrastructure. thetimes.co.uk
Stability Through Low Inflation
ONS figures to April 2025 show the South West’s annual house price inflation at just 0.9%—the slowest among English regions. This calm market reduces the risk of overpaying and makes budgeting easier, especially for first-time buyers or those on fixed incomes. ons.gov.uk
Three Strategies for Home Buyers
Leverage market dips. Use recent price declines in hotspot towns to negotiate hard. If looking at a New Home consider extras - think free legal fees or early completion incentives.
Expand your perimeter. Investigate rising “secondary” coastal towns—Budleigh Salterton, Seaton or Weymouth—where values are growing gently.
Conclusion
The South West’s unique blend of price corrections, coastal demand, and market stability makes it a buyer-friendly region in mid-2025. Whether you’re chasing sea views or village life, there’s never been a better window to negotiate, plan, and secure your next home here. For a personalized search and advice on your dream move, let’s connect—your South West home awaits.
The Role of a Home Buying Agent: Making Your Move Less Stressful & More Successful
Jul 25
Introduction
Buying a home should be exciting. But for most people, it quickly becomes overwhelming. With limited time, high competition, and pressure to make the right decision, the whole process can feel a bit too much.
That’s where a professional home buying agent can help.
At Homesearch SW, my role is to support you through the process of finding and securing the right home, in the right place, at the right price. I’m here to take away the pressure and put your needs first.
Putting Your Priorities First
Estate agents work for sellers. I work for you. I take the time to understand exactly what you’re looking for, what matters to you, and where you’re open to compromise.
Often, it’s only when you start viewing properties that you realise what your real priorities are. I’ll guide you through that process, helping you make confident, informed decisions based on what suits your lifestyle and goals.
Saving You Time and Headspace
One of the most common frustrations buyers face is simply not having enough time. Between work, family, and everything else going on, property searching can quickly become exhausting.
I take that task off your plate by:
Actively sourcing homes that meet your brief, including those not yet on the market
Filtering out unsuitable options
Organising viewings and attending them with or for you
You won’t have to worry about missing out on new listings or spending weekends chasing false leads.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
In the South West, the best homes can be snapped up fast. Working with a home buying agent gives you an advantage.
Thanks to my network and industry knowledge, I can hear about properties before they’re publicly listed. I’ll also position you as a serious buyer, which makes your offer more appealing to agents and sellers.
This can be the difference between securing your ideal home or missing out.
Getting You the Right Deal
With over 25 years of experience in residential and new homes sales, I understand how to navigate negotiations effectively. That might mean negotiating a fair price, securing the right terms, or even working with a developer to cover stamp duty costs.
My job is to make sure you’re getting value, not just getting the keys.
Ongoing Support Through to Completion
Buying a home doesn’t stop once your offer is accepted. There are surveys, solicitors, timelines, and potential roadblocks to deal with.
I’ll stay by your side throughout, helping to coordinate each stage and resolve issues as they come up. You’ll have a calm, experienced voice helping you get through the process with less stress.
If you’re planning a move in the South West and want clear, experienced support throughout the process, let’s talk.
I’ll help you take the pressure off and secure the home that’s right for you.
How We Do What We Do
Jul 25
Buying a home? It’s not just about ticking boxes...
When I work with buyers, my first job isn’t to find “the one” straight away - it’s to understand what really matters to them.
It means digging deeper than just “4 beds and a garden.”
It’s about asking the right questions… then sometimes presenting options that gently test those early ideas.
Because it’s only by exploring different layouts, locations, or styles that buyers often discover what’s truly non-negotiable - and what isn’t.
The 1st home my wife and I bought was almost the opposite of what we had set out for originally. We were advised to view it, (which we did reluctantly) and as soon we saw it we knew immediately it was right!
🧭 My job is to help clients get crystal clear on their priorities - so when the right home does come along, they know it feels right and are ready to act.
If you’re thinking about moving, or just want some clear-headed advice on how to navigate the options, I’d love to help.
🔔 Follow this page for more local insight, property tips, and behind-the-scenes advice from the South West’s home buying specialist.
Ready to start your search the smarter way? Message me today.
#HomeSearchSW #HomeBuyingHelp #SouthWestProperty #BuyingAgent #PropertyAdvice #MoveWithConfidence #Westcountrylife #buyersagentuk
Does the Anticipated Stress of Moving Put You Off?
Jun 25
New research by The Home Owners Alliance shows over 800,000 households are putting off moving. One of the biggest blockers? Stamp duty.
Even when people want to move, the extra costs and pressure can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re trying to juggle work, life, and finding the perfect place.
And in addition 35% of those polled that wanted to move decided not to, due to the perceived stress of moving...
That’s where planning makes all the difference.
At Homesearch SW, we take the weight off your shoulders by helping you:
☑ Get clear on what’s realistic for your budget
☑ Find and secure the right home before others do
☑ Negotiate the best deal on your behalf
Don't get trapped in your current home if it is not right for you - we are here to help! No portals. No last-minute panic. Just a smarter way to move, with support & guidance every step of the way.
📦 If a move is on your mind, let’s take the stress out of it. Get in touch and let's talk through your situation and options - there is no commitment at all until you decide that you want to go ahead...
Helping to Make Moving Easier
Jun 25
"Buying should be exciting... but often it’s just stressful."
Buying a home is supposed to be one of life’s exciting chapters.
But for many, it quickly turns into stress - struggling to find the one, managing the time, slow updates, chasing agents, not knowing what’s happening next...
For many it's the most significant purchase of their lives and where, for much of the time, they feel in the least control!
It doesn't have to be like that...!
I support buyers across the South West by managing the process, doing the legwork, providing honest advice, and making sure nothing gets missed.
From search to keys-in-hand, I’m in your corner - and I know the business.
Let me take the stress off your shoulders so you can enjoy the move.
#homesearchsw #buyingagentUK #buyersagentuk #propertysearchuk #homebuyinghelp #buyerrepresentation
Independent Advice on Using a Buying Agent
Jun 25
Some independent insight into the role of buying agents and how we help clients to find and secure their new home...
https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/buying-agents/
Buyer Focused Services to Make Moves Happen
Jun 25
😬 Relocating or just too busy to search?
Whether you’re moving from out of area, or just don’t have the time to chase and speak to agents…
👍 We’ll act as your local home-finding expert, managing the whole process for you.
👍 Tailored search based on your needs
👍 On-the-ground viewings and updates
No commission bias — we work only for you
Perfect for busy professionals, families, people with packed lives or anyone wanting a more personal approach.
📞 Want to talk it through and find out more? Please get in touch
📌 Covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Dorset
Summary Of What We Can Do For You
Jun 25
🥱Tired of trawling Rightmove every night?
We get it. Buying a home is time-consuming - and knowing what’s right isn’t always easy.
Homesearch SW works solely for buyers, giving you:
🔎 A filtered shortlist of suitable homes
🗓 Booked and attended viewings
🤝 Offer negotiation support — with your best interests in mind
😊 Let’s take the stress out of your move.
We Act For You - The Buyer
Jun 25
🏡 Looking to buy a home in the South West but struggling to find the right one?
⏳ Or finding it impossible to book and attend viewings against a busy schedule?
We act for you - the buyer - helping you find and secure the right home, with expert support every step of the way.
✔ We take time to fully understand your needs
✔ We search the market, engage with Estate Agents, review & shortlist
✔ We will arrange and attend viewings with you, or on your behalf
✔ When you find the one, we can handle the negotiations for you
✔ We will monitor & track your purchase through to your moving in day
All tailored to your wishlist and timeline.
No sales pitch. No hidden agenda. Just independent support for buyers.
📌 Covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Dorset
Homesearch SW Launches
Jun 25
It's time for the next step in my world of self employment... 😎
I have been working on this in the background for some time - but am now ready to go live with my new business venture to run alongside and complement Paul Furner Consulting...
Homesearch SW is the South West's newest property search/buying agency. Created to work with and for home buyers seeking a property in the West Country...
As a B2C business it wont be all over my LinkedIn but, if you're interested, you can follow along on the company's Facebook page: https://lnkd.in/ekvkhudZ
The website is live.
Having spent almost my entire career in and around property across the West Country, the dual sector and complimentary offerings of Paul Furner Consulting and Homesearch SW will offer the very best of my experience to business and home buying clients in the region...
Exciting!!!!! 😁😁😁
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