From strong growth in Knebworth to steady gains in Stevenage, the market is moving at different speeds across our towns. In this update, we’ll break down the latest house price trends, look at the "autumn bounce" in activity, and unpack what the rumoured tax changes could mean for you.

The Autumn Bounce is Here: More Sales, More Choice

After a quieter spring, the market has sprung back to life this autumn. We’re seeing more activity across the board, which is great news for both buyers and sellers.

Sales Agreed are Up: The number of sales being agreed in early autumn was around 4% higher than the same time last year. More realistic pricing from sellers has been key, helping to match motivated buyers with their next home.

More Homes on the Market: Buyers now have more choice. The supply of homes for sale in our region is up by around 13% compared to a year ago. This eases the intense shortages of the past and creates a healthier, more balanced market.

Mortgage Approvals Remain Stable: Banks are still lending. UK mortgage approvals for house purchases in July were 5% higher than the previous year, showing that buyers are successfully securing finance and moving forward with their plans.

On the Horizon: What Could Tax Reforms Mean for You?

There's a lot of talk about potential changes to property taxes in the government's upcoming Autumn Budget. While nothing is confirmed, here are the two main ideas being discussed and what they could mean for our area.

The End of Stamp Duty?

One proposal is to abolish the upfront Stamp Duty payment and replace it with a smaller, annual property tax for homes valued over £500,000.

What it could mean locally:

This would have a significant impact. With average prices in Hitchin and Knebworth already over the £500k mark, many homeowners could face a new yearly bill. In contrast, most properties in Stevenage would be unaffected.

Capital Gains Tax on Main Homes?

Another idea is to introduce Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on profits from selling your main home, but only for the portion of the sale price above £1.5 million.

What it could mean locally:

The direct impact here would be minimal. Very few properties in our core areas sell for over £1.5 million. This tax would primarily affect London and the super-prime market.

The Mood of the Market: Confidence & Pragmatism

So, how are local buyers and sellers feeling right now? The mood is one of cautious optimism and realism.

The Buyer's Perspective: Buyers are proceeding with confidence but are also budget-conscious. With mortgage rates stabilising, many have adapted to the new normal. However, affordability is still the biggest hurdle, meaning correctly priced homes are attracting the most attention.

The Seller's Perspective: The days of adding 15% to an asking price and hoping for the best are over. Successful sellers are those who are pragmatic and listen to expert advice on pricing. With more choice on the market, pricing your home correctly from day one has never been more important.

Hitchin: Resilient & Rising

Hitchin’s market remains a strong performer. The average house price in North Hertfordshire (including Hitchin and Knebworth) has climbed to £403,000, a healthy 3.3% increase year-on-year. This outpaces the regional average, showing sustained demand, especially for family homes.

Knebworth: Leading the Pack

The village market has seen exceptional growth. Knebworth's average sale price now stands at around £555,000. While this figure is influenced by the types of larger homes sold recently, it reflects the village's immense popularity as a prime commuter spot, with prices now sitting 8% above their pre-pandemic peak.

Stevenage: Steady & Affordable

Stevenage offers a picture of firm and steady growth. The average price here is £318,000, up 2.3% on last year. This steady rise, particularly for semi-detached family homes, highlights the town's continued appeal for buyers seeking value and good transport links.

Welwyn Garden City: A Market Rebalancing

In contrast, prices in Welwyn Garden City have cooled slightly. The average price in the Welwyn Hatfield area is now £435,000, a 2.1% dip compared to last year. After a period of rapid growth, the market is taking a breather, with sellers adjusting their expectations to meet the current climate.

Our Final Word

The market across Hitchin, Stevenage, Knebworth, and Welwyn Garden City is no longer frantic, but it is functioning healthily. We've moved from a sprint to a more sustainable marathon. Sensibly priced homes are selling, buyers are actively looking, and transaction levels are steady.

If the Autumn Budget avoids major shocks, we expect confidence to grow as we head into 2026, creating a stable and positive market for all.

Thinking of making a move this autumn or in the new year? Contact Putterills today for a free, no-obligation valuation and expert advice tailored to your local market.

The Autumn Bounce is Here: More Sales, More Choice

After a quieter spring, the market has sprung back to life this autumn. We’re seeing more activity across the board, which is great news for both buyers and sellers.

On the Horizon: What Could Tax Reforms Mean for You?

The End of Stamp Duty?

One proposal is to abolish the upfront Stamp Duty payment and replace it with a smaller, annual property tax for homes valued over £500,000.

What it could mean locally:

Capital Gains Tax on Main Homes?

Another idea is to introduce Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on profits from selling your main home, but only for the portion of the sale price above £1.5 million.

What it could mean locally:

The direct impact here would be minimal. Very few properties in our core areas sell for over £1.5 million. This tax would primarily affect London and the super-prime market.

The Mood of the Market: Confidence & Pragmatism

So, how are local buyers and sellers feeling right now? The mood is one of cautious optimism and realism.

Hitchin: Resilient & Rising

Knebworth: Leading the Pack

Stevenage: Steady & Affordable

Welwyn Garden City: A Market Rebalancing

Our Final Word

If the Autumn Budget avoids major shocks, we expect confidence to grow as we head into 2026, creating a stable and positive market for all.

Thinking of making a move this autumn or in the new year? Contact Putterills today for a free, no-obligation valuation and expert advice tailored to your local market.

Putterills Property Newsletter | October 2025

The Autumn Bounce is Here: More Sales, More Choice

On the Horizon: What Could Tax Reforms Mean for You?

The End of Stamp Duty?

What it could mean locally:

Capital Gains Tax on Main Homes?

What it could mean locally:

The Mood of the Market: Confidence & Pragmatism

Hitchin: Resilient & Rising

Knebworth: Leading the Pack

Stevenage: Steady & Affordable

Welwyn Garden City: A Market Rebalancing

Our Final Word

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Putterills Property Newsletter | October 2025

The Autumn Bounce is Here: More Sales, More Choice

On the Horizon: What Could Tax Reforms Mean for You?

The End of Stamp Duty?

What it could mean locally:

Capital Gains Tax on Main Homes?

What it could mean locally:

The Mood of the Market: Confidence & Pragmatism

Hitchin: Resilient & Rising

Knebworth: Leading the Pack

Stevenage: Steady & Affordable

Welwyn Garden City: A Market Rebalancing

Our Final Word

Share this article

More Articles

Move by Christmas? It’s Possible... but read this first

First-time buyers leap up the property ladder

Garages: wasted space or property perk?

Sign up for our newsletter