After months of economic uncertainty, fluctuating mortgage expectations and wider geopolitical instability, South West London’s sales market is entering summer on a steadier footing.
Earlier this month, the Bank of England held the base rate at 3.75%, easing some of the speculation that borrowing costs could rise further amid inflation concerns, and geopolitical uncertainty linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
While recent data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) pointed to softer nationwide buyer demand during spring, activity across South West London remained comparatively resilient.
Neighbourhoods such as Richmond, Twickenham, Hampton and the surrounding areas continue to perform well due to their appeal as lifestyle-led locations where buyers prioritise schools, transport links, green space and long-term quality of life.
According to Myles Moloney, Regional Director of Chase Buchanan the market feels more stable and settled that it did earlier in the year.
“People are still moving for the same reasons they always have done,” says Myles. “Family, work, schools and lifestyle continue to drive decisions, and Richmond and the surrounding areas remain highly desirable places to live.”
One of the clearest behavioural shifts Chase Buchanan is seeing this year is changing viewing patterns, with Fridays increasingly becoming one of the busiest days for buyer activity.
“With hybrid working now firmly embedded for many people, Fridays are becoming a much more active viewing day,” says Myles. “Buyers are increasingly choosing to view properties before the weekend rather than using up Saturdays and Sundays.”
Across South West London, Chase Buchanan continues to see strong demand for well-presented family homes offering good living space, gardens and flexible accommodation.
The agency is also seeing growing demand for ‘turnkey’ homes that are ready to move straight into without requiring major renovation work.
Whilst character homes and refurbishment opportunities still attract interest, many buyers are becoming more cautious about taking on large-scale projects as construction costs remain high.
“With mortgage borrowing still generally being the cheapest form of finance available to many families, buyers are favouring homes that already provide the living space and functionality they need,” Myles explains. “Buyers are increasingly choosing the homes that offer the space and layout they need now rather than takig on larger renovation projects”.
Chase Buchanan continues to see properties attract the highest levels of interest within the first 10 to 14 days of coming to market, making realistic pricing, strong photography and kerb appeal particularly important during the early stages of marketing.
Simple improvements such as a freshly painted front door, tidy entrance or well-maintained front garden can significantly influence how buyers emotionally respond to a property from the moment they arrive.
“People often book viewings visually, but they buy property emotionally,” says Myles. “That emotional connection often starts before buyers even walk through the door, which is why presentation matters so much.”
Chase Buchanan says straightforward advice and proactive communication are becoming increasingly valuable in a market where buyers are more selective, and sellers need to maintain momentum.
“If something needs to change, whether that’s pricing, presentation or approach, it’s better to address it early rather than letting a property drift,” says Myles. “If a property is not getting the reaction it should be, it's best to act early rather than let it sit on the market.
Adds Myles: “Buyers are still active, but they are making more considered decisions. The sellers achieving the strongest results are usually the ones who price correctly early, present their homes well and stay proactive throughout the process.”