Your local property market update: July 2025

With the summer holidays in full swing, the property market often sees a slight shift in pace – but that doesn’t mean things have gone quiet. In fact, July has brought a mix of encouraging activity across sales, lettings and commercial, as buyers and renters make the most of the longer days to move home, and businesses look ahead to autumn.

In this month’s update, we’re diving into what’s really happening across the coast, with fresh updates from the sales, lettings, and commercial sides of the market. You’ll hear directly from our team of experts as they share what’s moving, what’s trending, and why now might just be a great time to make your move.

The current landscape

This month, Managing Director at Jacobs Steel, Pat Barton, gives us his insights on what’s been happening in the local property sales market. Here’s what he had to say:

“As we move into the summer holidays, it’s typical to see a slight dip in market activity – but despite the seasonal slowdown, we’re continuing to see strong viewing numbers and a healthy flow of new instructions from motivated sellers.

The earlier stamp duty incentive deadline on 31st March had a noticeable impact on market timings, with many completions being rushed through beforehand. This led to a quieter April and May in terms of completions, as sales that missed the deadline were temporarily deprioritised. June showed signs of recovery with an uplift in completions, and we expect July to perform even better. While new sales continue to come in steadily, we’re still very much in a buyers’ market. Sellers who haven’t generated sufficient interest within the first couple of months are needing to remain flexible on price to secure a sale.

Mortgages

The current Bank of England base rate is 4.25%, and the next base rate review is scheduled for 7th August 2025.

As of 30th July 2025, the current average mortgage rates are shown below (sourced from (https://www.uswitch.com/mortgages/) but we would also recommend speaking with an independent mortgage broker before committing to a product.

Rental market review

Ollie Whiting (MARLA), Lettings Manager at Jacobs Steel shares his thoughts on the March lettings market:

“The rental market in July has continued in the same vein as June as expected considering the industry is in the middle of it’s busy peak summer season. We are continuing to see strong demand and rising rental prices, with most properties achieving a let within days of advertising providing they are priced accurately.

In other areas of our industry, the much anticipated Renters Rights Bill has completed it’s passage through the House of Lords with the Third Reading completed on the 21st of July, the Bill will now return to the House of Commons on the 8th of September for consideration of amendments made in Lords. The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent around September or October, and become implemented within law early 2026.”

Commercial market review

Leigh Doherty, Commercial Manager, has an in-depth understanding of the commercial property market. Here’s what he had to say:

“July has been a very strong month for commercial lettings. We’ve listed several retail units in Worthing Town Centre, all of which attracted a high level of interest and multiple offers.

This positive trend isn’t limited to Worthing — we’ve also agreed deals in Rottingdean, Brighton, and Littlehampton. Retail shops continue to be the most sought-after, particularly those that fall below the business rates threshold, which makes them even more attractive to prospective tenants. Landlords are in a strong position, with plenty of choice when it comes to selecting the right tenant.

On the sales side, the market has been slightly quieter as buyers are exercising more caution. However, we’re now seeing encouraging signs of improvement. We’ve recently agreed terms on investment properties in Rowlands Road, Grand Avenue, and Storrington — a positive indicator of growing confidence.

We’re also preparing to launch some exciting new opportunities, including:

A potential development site near Worthing Football Club
High-specification offices in Worthing Town Centre
A mixed investment and development opportunity near Worthing Seafront

If you’d like to register your interest in any upcoming properties, need advice on a commercial asset you currently own, or would like a valuation, please don’t hesitate to contact our commercial team on 01903 792785”

The road ahead

Despite the usual seasonal dip, the market remains active and full of opportunity across all sectors. From steady buyer interest and a buoyant lettings scene to renewed energy in commercial lettings and investment, there’s plenty happening across the coast.

If you’re curious about what your property might be worth, want advice on your next step, or simply fancy a chat with someone who knows the market inside out, our team is here to help. Pop into your local Jacobs Steel branch or give us a call.