As we move into the summer season, there’s a renewed energy rippling through the country house market. After a quiet spring, where weather disruptions and economic uncertainty slowed activity, the market is now seeing a sharp uptick in buyer intent and confidence. At Chartwell Noble, we’ve experienced a significant shift in momentum, especially across the Midlands and Cotswolds.

Chartwell Noble Featured in the Press

We are proud to share that Chartwell Noble was recently featured in Property Industry Eye, one of the leading trade publications in the real estate sector. This recognition highlights the valuable insights we provide on the current state of the market, and we are thrilled to have our perspective on the country house market acknowledged by industry experts. Our CEO, Ross D’Aniello, was quoted discussing the shift in market momentum, and the return of buyer urgency, making our expertise accessible to a wider audience. This feature underscores our standing as a trusted voice in the luxury property sector.

A Tangible Shift in Momentum Across the Midlands and Cotswolds

For many of us, this summer marks a pivotal change. While the spring season was subdued, with endless rain and hesitance due to fluctuating mortgage rates, since mid-May, things have dramatically shifted. The sun came out, and with it, a surge of renewed confidence has swept through the market. At Chartwell Noble, we’ve noticed a marked increase in viewings, coupled with a surge in buyer intent. Buyers are once again eager to make decisions, aided by more competitive mortgage rates, easing inflation, and the anticipation of long summer holidays.

The Midlands and Cotswolds, areas we focus on heavily, are showing strong signs of life. We’ve brought over £75 million worth of prime homes to market, from Cotswolds stone cottages to larger family homes with acres of land in Worcestershire. Sellers are a mix of upsizers looking for more space and long-term downsizers finally making their move after decades in the same home.

The Cotswolds: Privacy and Exclusivity Continue to Dominate

One of the most fascinating trends this year is the growing strength of the off-market space, particularly in the Cotswolds. For many of our clients, privacy, exclusivity, and pace are the top priorities, leading to many high-value transactions happening behind closed doors. Some of our best deals this year have been made without a single online listing. Buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium to avoid the frantic open market scramble, and as agents embedded deeply in the local network, we’re able to connect buyers and sellers discreetly, efficiently, and successfully.

The demand in the Cotswolds remains firmly focused on period homes in prime villages, especially those with walkable access to countryside, good pubs, and decent Wi-Fi. London buyers, particularly those seeking a second base or hybrid workers looking for a remote retreat, are still flocking to the area. For these buyers, homes that are “ready to go” - or require only a light touch - continue to be in high demand. The trend of seeking garden studios, annexes, and dedicated home office spaces has also become an essential rather than a luxury feature for many buyers.

Midlands Market: A Steady Growth and Strong Buyer Interest

The Midlands market has been slower to take off, but it’s gaining momentum. We’re seeing increasing buyer interest in homes with land, particularly those priced in the £1m–£1.5m range and situated near top schools. Unlike other areas, buyers in the Midlands are highly analytical; they research properties carefully, comparing square footage, EPC ratings, and historic price trends before making decisions. But here’s the good news: if a home is priced right and presented well, it will sell. If it’s tired, overpriced, or in need of major work, it risks languishing on the market.

This trend underlines the importance of presenting properties at the right price and in excellent condition to capture the attention of discerning buyers.

Downsizers’ Return to the Market: A Key Driving Force

One of the most significant developments we’ve observed recently is the return of downsizers to the market. Many of these buyers have stayed in their homes for 30 or 40 years, but the recent changes in tax laws relating to second homes have unlocked a flood of smaller, more manageable properties. These homes, often energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and within walking distance to amenities, are now in high demand, especially among those looking to downsize for a simpler lifestyle.

This increase in downsizing activity is also helping to unlock the chain above them, stimulating more transactions in the £1m – £2.5m range. As a result, approximately 10% of our current vendors are downsizers, marking a significant increase compared to last year.

Pricing Sensitivity: The Key to Success in Today’s Market

One of the challenges facing today’s sellers is the price-sensitive nature of the market. Not all sellers are fully aware of how pricing can impact the sale of their home. Homes that are realistically priced, especially those that align with lifestyle desires, are selling quickly, sometimes even receiving multiple offers. However, there’s a growing gap between homes that are priced correctly and those that are overvalued. Unfortunately, many homes are sitting on the market because they’re priced too high. In these cases, sellers are often left frustrated, having to reduce the price to attract buyers.

This is particularly evident in the larger country homes – those with six or more bedrooms, outbuildings, and large plots of land. These homes used to sell largely on charm alone, but today’s buyers are more cautious, especially when it comes to properties in need of significant renovation. With building costs soaring, buyers expect these costs to be reflected in the price, and properties that don’t meet expectations on this front often stay on the market for longer.

Chartwell Noble’s Approach: Honesty and Transparency

At Chartwell Noble, we take a transparent and honest approach to the property market. If we believe a property is overpriced, we’ll advise our clients accordingly. Our agents have the expertise and local knowledge to give honest, clear advice that helps sellers set the right price and move their homes. Our success lies in this transparency, as well as our tailored marketing strategy that speaks directly to the right buyers.

What’s Next for the Country House Market in Summer 2025?

Looking ahead, summer represents an important window of opportunity. With improved weather, stabilised mortgage rates, and renewed market energy, now is an ideal time for sellers to launch their properties. The return of buyer urgency means that those who act quickly can capitalise on the growing demand, making it an excellent time to bring homes to market and ensure a successful sale.

Looking To Buy Or Sell A Property?

The country house market is showing renewed strength as we head into summer 2025. Buyer urgency is up, and the demand for exclusive, well-priced properties is increasing. Downsizers are making their move, and the importance of getting pricing right has never been more critical. At Chartwell Noble, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate this market with honesty, expertise, and tailored marketing strategies that deliver results.

If you’re considering buying or selling a country house, the time to act is now. Get in touch with Chartwell Noble for expert advice and to learn how we can help you succeed in today’s market.