A wave of large family homes is going up for sale as housing market springs into action
A surge of larger homes has hit the market in the last week amid falling mortgage rates, according to Rightmove. Annabel Dixon delves into the details.


The summer holidays are over and it’s back to reality. The good news for buyers with deeper pockets is that ‘a surge’ of larger properties has just come to the market, fuelled by falling mortgage rates and speculation about a capital gains tax rise.
According to Rightmove, the number of top-of-the-ladder homes being listed for sale in the last week is 15% higher than the same time last year. Before this jump, activity was driven by smaller properties of two bedrooms or less being put up for sale.
The spike is most noticeable in the east of England. The number of larger homes (defined as four-bedroom detached houses and homes with five bedrooms or more) hitting the market in this region is 21% ahead of the same week last year.
The south west of England follows closely behind, with 20% more top-end homes coming to market compared with a year ago. Both regions are home to some of the nation’s most sought-after coastal and beauty spots.
Rightmove’s property expert, Tim Bannister, explains: ‘Some of the lowest mortgage rates since before the mini-Budget are now available for those with a large deposit, and a mooted increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is also likely to be contributing to decision making right now.’
Jonathan Harington, director at Haringtons UK, says: 'It is surprising to see reports that there has been a surge of larger homes coming onto the market. It is certainly not my experience although at the very top end there is an awful lot unsold this year. There won’t be any sort of rush until buyers see what is in the Autumn Budget.'
He adds: 'Although, as ever, 'the market' is a rather vague term, with a myriad of different dynamics playing out across various sectors and price points. An increase in CGT would undoubtedly discourage people from cashing out investments to fund property purchases. And the spectre of a wealth tax tied to property values will certainly give pause.'
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Housing market ‘shows promise’ as prices start to rise
Could the housing market be turning a corner? We only ask because chartered surveyors at RICS have painted an improving picture of the housing market.
Buyer appetite and sales activity were on the rise last month, and house prices started to grow after almost two years of decline, says RICS. What’s more, the volume of appraisals in August suggests the number of new property listings will continue to increase.
RICS Chief Economist, Simon Rubinsohn, says: ‘The latest RICS survey captures an improvement in sentiment over the past month in the wake of the modest decline in mortgage rates with buyer interest improving, albeit from a relatively low base, and stock levels edging up.’
But he warns of the need for realistic pricing to get sales over the line, ‘with uncertainty both around the scope for further interest rate cuts and the likely contents of the forthcoming Budget keeping the mood in check’.
Housebuilding hotspots with ‘lowest level of NIMBYism’
Labour has made no secret of its housebuilding ambitions. And Lomond has given it a helping hand and revealed the ‘housing development hotspots with the lowest levels of NIMBYism’.
The estate and letting agency group analysed planning applications for both major and minor developments across England over the last 12 months to work out where the government is most likely to succeed.
The north east of England tops the table at a regional level, with 81% of all housing applications approved. Meanwhile, the east of England comes bottom, with 64% of applications given the go-ahead.
The City of London boasts the highest approval rate at a local authority level, with 100% of applications granted. But this is based on six decisions. Blackburn with Darwen follows, with 56 of the 57 planning decisions given the green light.
The best day of the year to move? Friday 13th
If you noticed a death or removals lorries last Friday, it's no coincidence. Friday is normally the busiest day of the week for buyers collecting keys to their new home and popping open a bottle of fizz to celebrate, but Friday 13th is another matter. Rightmove data going back to 1996 shows that it's the the quietest day of the year for house sales completions.
What does that mean? Well, if you're one of those able to shrug off superstition you'll find it much easier booking removals and all the other services you'd normally need. You might have a job persuading the rest of the people in the chain to get on board, of course, but even if they refuse to up sticks on the 13th, you can still save yourself a small fortune by buying moving into a house numbered 13, which on average are worth £5,521 less than average. Just don't go complaining to us when the pipes burst a day after you move in.
Credit: Getty
A 'war on NIMBYs'? How the principle of 'how, not if' will underpin the new homes boom
The new government has pledged to 'turbocharge' the building of new homes and infrastructure. But you might only have a
Nine things that could add up to £9,000 to the value of your home — and one that could leave you £35k out of pocket
Want to make a splash? Here’s some of the home improvements that could pay off in the long run. Just
Stability, confidence — and lots of new homes: Property experts on what Labour's General Election win mean for the housing market
Britain woke up on Friday to change of government. Plenty of change is expected across the board, but what will
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secrets
When it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
By Country Life Published
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
By Toby Keel Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated