West London Property News

Winter 2025

ISSUE 13

Horton and Garton Estate Agents

As we step into the New Year, Horton and Garton’s latest West London Property News | Winter 2025 reflects on the final quarter of 2024 and shares our outlook for the year ahead across Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, and Chiswick.

SALES

Resilience in Q4 2024 and opportunities ahead

The final quarter of 2024 saw a stable end to a year of recovery and resilience in the West London property market. Buyer demand remained steady despite seasonal slowdowns, and market confidence grew with the easing of inflation and stabilisation of mortgage rates.

Rightmove data revealed that December buyer demand was 7% higher than the same period in 2019, indicating a steady return to pre-pandemic norms. Transaction volumes in Q4 were reflective of a sustainable market, with activity levels suggesting a positive trajectory for 2025.

Property Prices

Property prices showed remarkable resilience in Q4, particularly in prime West London postcodes such as W4, W6, and W12. According to the Halifax House Price Index, the average UK property price experienced a modest annual increase of 3.3% in 2024.

Despite strong fundamentals, realistic pricing remains crucial for sellers. Buyers continue to prioritise value, particularly as mortgage costs remain a key consideration. Easing borrowing rates, forecast to improve further in 2025, are expected to drive renewed activity.

“Preparation remains key for sellers. Ensuring your home is market-ready and working with an experienced agent can make all the difference in achieving the best outcome.”
Louise Jones, Sales Manager

Outlook for 2025

With interest rates expected to ease further and buyer demand steadily increasing, 2025 looks set to be a year of gradual growth. Serious buyers and sellers who act early in the year may benefit from reduced competition and favourable conditions, particularly in the traditionally active spring market.

“The final quarter of 2024 provided a steady close to a year of recovery. Conversations in December highlighted growing confidence among buyers and sellers, setting the stage for a more active market in 2025.”
John Horton, Owner and Director

LETTINGS

High demand continues into Q4 2024

Tenant demand outstripped supply through the majority of 2024, with the market cooling a little in Q4 which is understood to be mostly a seasonal change which occurs each year around the holiday period. Rightmove reported an overall 25% year-on-year increase in tenant enquiries during Q4.

Rental values

Rents remained robust in Q4, reflecting the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand. Nationally, rents rose by 4% in 2024, with West London following a similar trend. However, affordability pressures have started to slow growth in certain segments, particularly for larger properties.

“The Renters Rights Bill is a game-changer for landlords. At Horton and Garton, we’re committed to guiding our clients through these changes, ensuring their investments remain secure and profitable.”
Aggie Tukendorf, Lettings Manager

Legislative changes

The Renters Rights Bill, set to take effect in mid-2025, will bring significant changes to the private rental sector. This legislation underscores the importance of professional management for landlords navigating compliance and market complexities.

A closer look

In 2024, investors accounted for 13% of UK property transactions, the highest proportion since 2016. This increase in weighting is partly due to a reduction in overall market activity, as total property transactions remained subdued compared to previous years. While the relative share of investor activity rose, the absolute number of purchases by landlords declined, reflecting cautious sentiment influenced by rising borrowing costs, evolving tax policies, and regulatory changes in the rental sector.

Local Highlights

West London’s cultural vibrancy remains a key attraction. In 2025, the opening of a 620-seat theatre at the Westfield Centre promises to enhance the area’s appeal. Established institutions like the Lyric Theatre continue to thrive, while events such as the Chiswick Flower Market bring the community together. Local W6, W4 and W12 businesses, including Happy Sky Bakery, Askewine, Bushwhacker Wholefoods, Patisserie Sainte Anne, John Stenton Butchers, Ma Ma Boutique Bakery, Wheelers and W6 Garden Centre, remain integral to the neighbourhood’s charm.