News and Events at Property People NI, Estate Agent Northern Ireland

Posted on 16 September 2025
Behind the Sign – Property People's New Podcast for Landlords and Investors

This podcast is designed to be your go-to source for practical, no-nonsense insights into the world of property. Each episode features straight-talking conversations about the issues that really matter in today’s market. Whether you’re managing a single buy-to-let or building a growing portfolio, Behind the Sign will give you the tools and knowledge to stay ahead.

What to Expect from Behind the Sign
Boosting rental yields – Hear expert strategies on maximising the return on your investments.
Staying compliant in 2025 – Get the latest updates on regulation and compliance so you can protect your properties and tenants.
Understanding market shifts – Learn how to adapt quickly to changing conditions and make smart investment decisions.
Effective property management – Discover approaches that actually work in the real world.

With no fluff and no jargon, Behind the Sign is all about providing actionable advice and expert insights you can trust.

Why Listen?
In today’s fast-moving property market, staying informed is crucial. By tuning in, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate challenges, spot opportunities, and manage your properties more effectively. It’s like having an experienced partner by your side, every step of the way.

Listen Now
The first episode of Behind the Sign is now live, and you can catch it on your favourite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Share it with fellow landlords, investors, and anyone who wants to stay ahead in Northern Ireland’s property market.

Behind the Sign is brought to you by Property People NI. With over 18 years of experience and more than 500 properties under management, we’re proud to support landlords, investors, and homeowners with expert guidance and trusted services.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and let’s continue building a stronger, more informed property community together.

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Posted on 27 August 2025
Your Home's Value: Why the Market is Hot

Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your Home in Belfast?

Welcome to our latest market update! As we head into the autumn months, we're taking a look at the current state of the Belfast property market, and the news is good for sellers.

The Market is Booming
You might have heard the buzz—the market is hotter than ever. From starter homes to high-value properties, homes are consistently selling for over the asking price. This is a trend that began to heat up in spring and has continued its momentum right through the summer.

Strong Buyer Demand
We're seeing incredibly strong demand from a range of buyers. This includes first-time buyers who are eager to get on the property ladder, as well as buy-to-let investors looking to expand their portfolios. This diverse interest means more eyes on your property and a better chance of securing a great offer.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Sell
With high demand and homes selling quickly, now is a fantastic time to put your property on the market. Our team has recently brought on a number of new listings, and all of them have quickly gone sale agreed for over the asking price. If you're thinking of making a move, you can take advantage of these strong market conditions.

Ready to Make Your Move?
If you're interested in selling or simply want to chat about the market, our team is here to help you get started.

Contact us today!
📞 02890747300

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Posted on 23 June 2025
Property People Expands with New Andersonstown Road Branch

We are absolutely thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey: the official opening of our brand-new branch on Andersonstown Road! This exciting expansion marks our fourth office in total, and our third strategically located branch right here in Belfast, further cementing our commitment to serving communities across Northern Ireland.

Rooted in Trust, Growing with Belfast
For over 20 years, Property People has proudly established itself as one of Northern Ireland's most trusted estate and letting agents. Our dedication to excellence, unparalleled service standards, and a deep understanding of the local property market have earned us a reputation for delivering outstanding results. The opening on Andersonstown Road is a testament to our ongoing growth and our unwavering commitment to bringing our award-winning services closer to you.

A Community-Focused Approach
We are particularly excited to become an even more integral part of the vibrant and growing West Belfast community. This new location allows us to enhance our local presence and provide easily accessible, integrated property services to everyone looking to buy, sell, rent, or manage property in the area. We believe in fostering strong community ties and are eager to contribute positively to the area's continued success.

Building on a Legacy
Our new Andersonstown Road branch builds upon a local legacy, following our acquisition of a long-standing family-run estate agency in the area. This integration allows us to combine our extensive expertise with a rich local heritage, ensuring a seamless and trusted service for all existing and new clients.

Your Trusted Partner for All Property Needs
Whether you're a first-time buyer embarking on your property journey, a landlord seeking expert management services, or looking to sell your home, our experienced team is ready to provide tailored advice and support. Our highly qualified professionals adhere to the highest industry practices, ensuring you receive a service that is both reliable and results-driven.

Visit Us Today!
We extend a warm invitation to visit our new Andersonstown Road branch. Our team is eager to welcome you and assist with all your property enquiries. Come in for a chat, explore our listings, or simply say hello!

Discover the difference with Property People – your trusted local experts.

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Posted on 17 May 2025
How many homes should you look at before making an offer?

How many viewings should you do per day?
Darran Jospeh, from VG Estate Agent believes that three to four viewings in a day is an optimum number. He comments, "It gives buyers enough variety to compare properties while still allowing time to properly absorb the details of each one. Any more than that, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed or begin to forget the relative pros and cons of individual properties.”

Tim Bennett, from Webbers Estate Agents agrees, adding, "it's best to limit viewings to three or four properties per day to avoid fatigue and confusion. Seeing too many homes in quick succession can make it harder to remember details and compare them effectively."

Can you view too many homes?

“You can quite easily lose sight of what it is you’re looking for when you’re consistently at back-to-back viewings, so sometimes, less is more," says Murray Rose from Town & Village Properties. He adds, "it’s key to take time to reflect on each batch of viewings, but on the contrary, you don’t know if you’re going to like something until you’ve seen it, so keep viewing until you find the one, just make sure to take the odd breather.”

Amy Kimber, from John Minnis, concurs. "Viewing too many properties, especially without a clear set of criteria, can blur your judgment and make it harder to commit when the right home does come along. We always encourage buyers to define their priorities early—such as budget, location, and non-negotiable features—to keep your search focused and efficient."

What should buyers look for during a property viewing?
Amy also notes that, "beyond the initial impressions, it’s important to examine the condition, layout, and long-term practicality of the home. Look for signs of damp, cracks in the walls, the condition of windows and doors, and the age of systems like the boiler and electrics. Take note of natural light, storage space, traffic noise, and the general upkeep of neighbouring properties. These less obvious details often have the biggest impact on your long-term satisfaction."

Andrew Gregory from The Letting Station's personal method is to always look at a house from the other side of the road. He says, "look for square lines, cracks, chimney issues and slipped tiles or slates. Inside is usually cosmetic but concentrate firstly on the building itself."

Should buyers take photos or videos during viewings? Are there etiquette rules around this?
Katie Griffin, from Sawdye & Harris understands how important it is for buyers to fully engage with a property before making an offer — and that often includes taking photos or videos during viewings to help decision-making or refer back to a specific property later. She says, "however, it’s essential that this is done respectfully. We always recommend that buyers ask for permission first. It’s not only good etiquette but also ensures the privacy and comfort of the current owners are maintained. A viewing is the beginning of a potential transaction, and setting the right tone early on really does matter."

Is it better to view homes during the day or evening? Why?

“Daytime viewings allow you to see the property in natural light, which is ideal for spotting any imperfections. In the late spring and summer, evening viewings are useful as it still tends to be light enough to appreciate interiors and gardens however, you might also get a sense of how busy the road gets, especially if you are limited to on-street parking,” says Darran Jospeh, from VG Estate Agent.

How long should a buyer spend at a viewing?
“A solid 20 to 30 minutes is usually sufficient for the first viewing. Take your time but don’t linger too long—if you like the place, you can always arrange a second visit to dive deeper into the details. Buyers tend to get a sense straight away if the property feels right, but measuring for furniture should be left for a second or third viewing,” says Darran Jospeh, from VG Estate Agent.

What’s the best way to give feedback after a viewing?
“Be honest! We and our clients want to know what you really thought, and it definitely does help. Feedback enables us to work out if our clients need to do anything different going forward, and as they work so hard preparing their properties to look their best, we welcome it always, good or bad. We always document it on our file notes, so it doesn’t matter how, when or where you tell us,” says Murray Rose from Town & Village Properties.

What to do if you find the perfect house on the first viewing?
Tim Bennett, from Webbers Estate Agents, encourages buyers to act quickly. "If it ticks all the boxes, don’t be afraid to act fast—great homes don’t stay on the market for long. Still, consider a second viewing to confirm your decision and check finer details before making an offer."

"In an ideal world, we’d all buy the first property we looked at, but it just doesn’t usually happen. Many find it comforting to ‘try a few pairs of shoes on’ before they find the right one, but ultimately, why do you need to if you’ve found it? Property makes us feel, and if you feel it, go with your gut,” agrees Murray Rose from Town & Village Properties.

Is it acceptable to put an offer in on multiple properties?

Michelle Cook, from Cook Residential, comments, “While it’s technically possible to offer on more than one property at a time, at Cook Residential, we don’t encourage this approach. Doing so can create uncertainty for sellers and wastes valuable time for vendors who may believe your offer is serious and committed. We always advise buyers to be respectful of the process — once you’re confident a property is right for you, that’s the time to proceed with an offer. Clarity and good faith go a long way in achieving a smooth, successful transaction for everyone involved.”

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Posted on 10 May 2025
How to upgrade your home for less

Paint your kitchen cabinets

If you’re looking for an easy way to update the look of your home, paint your cabinets. Freshly painted cabinets give your home the update it needs without the cost of a full kitchen renovation. Choose light colours to brighten up your space, but don’t be afraid of colour: light blue or pale green both look fantastic in a kitchen.

Update your fixtures
New cabinet door handles or knobs on the sink can make a surprising difference in any room in your house. Choose modern door handles to update your kitchen, and you can even consider painting your sink knobs to give them a much-needed facelift.

Add mirrors

Mirrors can make any space seem larger and are an easy way to ‘open up’ a room without knocking down a wall. Hang a large mirror on an open wall, or consider a gallery wall of smaller mirrors for a room that’s tricky to decorate.

Invest in landscaping
Kerb appeal is king, so be sure that the outside of your home is attractive. The entrance to your home should be neat and tidy, and consider adding some landscaping to the front of your property. A tree or two works well in a more rural environment, and never underestimate the power of a few potted plants in an urban home.

Freshen up your front door

First impressions count, and there’s nothing less appealing than a front door with peeling paint. You can stay classic and choose a front door in a neutral glossy shade, or pick a brighter colour with some personality.

Add wooden floors
Wall-to-wall carpet is no longer a popular choice, as homeowners now prefer wooden floors that they can choose to put a rug on. Many types of wooden flooring are available on a budget, so consider vinyl flooring in a wooden pattern or get reclaimed wooden floors for less.

Add visible storage

Adding storage is a great way to add value to your property, and visible storage is an extremely easy way to make use of the more awkward spaces in your home. Look for spaces like nooks in corridors, eaves, spaces under stairs, space above sinks, and wall space for mounted cupboards. Adding visible storage in these places is a great way to showcase your personality as well as cut the clutter.

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Posted on 3 May 2025
How letting agents support landlords

Is a letting agent for you?
Letting agents can manage some or all of the work involved in letting a property to a tenant. You may want to use a letting agent if the following apply to your situation:
• You do not have enough time to fulfil all the responsibilities
• You do not have much experience of being a landlord
• You would prefer to have someone else deal with tenant issues and relations
• You do not have a good awareness of relevant regulations and legislation
• You are letting property in a different area from where you live

What does a letting agent do?

Letting agents can manage some or all of the work involved in letting a property to a tenant. Here are the different service options explained:
A let only agent is responsible for finding a tenant and moving them in. The agent will market the property for you and host property viewings. They will find the right tenant for you by performing background checks and will collect necessary information from an interested tenant. Once a suitable tenant has been found, the agent will draw up the tenancy agreement, create an inventory of the property, and move the tenant in. After the tenants have moved into the property, the responsibility goes back to you, the landlord.

Full management is exactly what you might expect. With full management, your letting agent takes care of everything from finding a tenant to sorting out maintenance issues to ensuring your buy-to-let investment is always aligned with the latest laws and regulations. Whether you have just one property to let or multiple, this is a safe and easy option for any landlord.

How to choose the right letting agent.

Are you looking for someone to find you a tenant, then take it from there or would you like to have someone look after your investment for you? Once you have made a decision, you can research which agents provide the best overall service for what you require.
Professional bodies provide members with the latest Government guidance and advice, which is vital information for ensuring your property investment is operating legally and safely. Is the agent a member of a professional body, such as The Guild of Property Professionals, the National Approved Lettings Scheme, The Association of Residential Letting Agents or The UK Association of Accredited Letting Agents?
Looking at reviews from tenants and landlords will give you an indication of how others have found their service.
Ask for a full list of services they provide, what their process is, and how they conduct their services. Here are a few things you might ask about:
• Marketing strategies - does the agent offer virtual services?
• Paperwork
• Contact hours
• Maintenance and repairs
• Protocols for late rent payments and other potential issues
• Your contract with the agent
Comparing fees can help you find the best value for money. However, don’t immediately opt for the cheapest option you can find, as you may discover that cheaper fees can sometimes indicate a less than satisfactory quality of service.

The Renters' Reform Bill
Letting agents play a crucial role in supporting landlords with compliance and management responsibilities, especially when new legislation like the Renters' Reform Bill comes into effect. Letting agents keep landlords informed and compliant with new legal obligations introduced by the Renters' Reform Bill, including:
• Abolition of Section 21: Helping landlords understand the new process for regaining possession using amended Section 8 notices.
• New grounds for possession: Guiding landlords through legitimate grounds (e.g., wanting to sell the property, repeated rent arrears).
• Periodic tenancies: Managing the shift away from fixed-term contracts to rolling tenancies.
Your agent can also conduct thorough referencing to reduce the risk of problematic tenants and help landlords select reliable tenants, which becomes even more important with stronger tenant protections. If an issue arises, letting agents handle communication with tenants and assist with issuing the correct notices (e.g., Section 8). They can also handle arrears through communication and, if needed, legal processes compliant with the new laws. Plus much more.

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Posted on 26 April 2025
Spring staycation destinations

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Whether it's the grounds of the 400-year-old Antrim Castle and Gardens on Lough Neagh, the bastion of Carrickfergus Castle guarding Belfast Lough or the wondrous walled garden of Glenarm Castle, there is plenty here for the history buff to fill their boots with. County Antrim is a perfect snapshot of Northern Ireland. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.

Salcombe, Devon

Salcombe is a charming coastal town in the south of Devon. The town is known for water sports, sailing, and the surrounding natural beauty, as well as having incredible shops and restaurants. Head to Fore Street next to the water to discover the best range of cuisine that Salcombe has to offer, as quality restaurants and bars line the streets. If you're looking for a small, quiet getaway, this town is just that. 

Norwich, Norfolk

Norfolk is a county in the east of England, full of adventure and activities. Norwich is specifically a great location for a quick spring getaway, as this cathedral city showcases ancient beauty and exciting stories. With classic English pubs hidden in corners, cobbled streets all over the city, and open-air markets located in the heart of Norwich, there's plenty to discover. During springtime, the Norwich and Norfolk festivals run in May, creating an incredible bustling atmosphere in the county. 

Padstow, Cornwall

When visiting Cornwall, there are many places to discover and explore. The Padstow harbour is a real gem filled with small, beautiful boats, creating a picture-perfect town. The town is small, making it easy to walk around, with plenty of pretty shops to enjoy. If you want to escape the busy atmosphere, then there are pristine beaches to uncover for walking and relaxing while taking in the breathtaking Cornish views. 

Isle of Anglesey, Wales

The the small Welsh island of Anglesey, a favourite amongst royals, is home to incredible landscapes and wildlife. With the best beaches stretching for miles and dramatic views, this place truly is a fairytale location. Boat trips are the best way to discover the true Anglesey. From April onwards, you are able to spot puffins, seals, dolphins, and much more. To truly escape reality, you must visit one of the many lighthouses on the Welsh coast and discover the truly magical views the island has to offer.

Northumberland

Northumberland is a county located in the North East of England. Within this county, there is so much to see and explore: 39 castles, all bursting with character, as well as a walker’s paradise with incredible landscapes and views, creating a wonderful retreat away from reality. The main attraction of this county is one of the world's most famous wonders, Hadrian's Wall, built almost 2,000 years ago and stretches over the entire county. Northumberland is also known for its incredibly low levels of light pollution, creating the perfect observatory to admire and spot stars as they light up the sky. 

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Posted on 19 April 2025
Finding a rental property this spring
Check legislation in your location
The rental market is an ever-evolving landscape, and whether it’s your first time renting, or it’s been a while since your last tenancy, it could be a good idea to brush up on your rights as a tenant and any new laws regarding renting. This will give you a good idea of what to expect for your next home and how to navigate your next tenancy agreement.

Establish a budget
When searching for the perfect rental property, you need to identify how much you can afford per month. Spring is known for being one of the hottest seasons in the property market, so it’s essential to plan and budget ahead of time so you can place your application in quickly.

Find a home that suits your needs

Now that you have identified how much you can afford, it’s time to discover which homes suit you and your lifestyle. Price, location, and size are the three main criteria you need to keep in mind. Establishing all your ‘must-haves’ will allow you to narrow your search and find your home faster, which can easily be achieved online using property search filters. 

Should you rent through a letting agent?
If you’re interested in a particular home, it’s important to find out who is managing the property. There are many advantages to finding a rental property managed by a letting agent, from regular maintenance to high-quality standards and sound legal compliance, a letting agent is essentially the middleman between the landlord and tenant, allowing a smooth and professional rental experience.

Ask the right questions
There are certain questions you need to ask your agent to ensure you are getting the most out of the property, such as: 
- Are any bills included in the rent? 
- How much is the deposit? 
- Who will be managing the property? (Private landlord or letting agent) 
- How long is the rental contract? 
- What type of tenancy agreement will I be signing? 
- Who is responsible for the maintenance of the property? 
- When can I move in?
   
Settle in

Finding your perfect rental property can be a rewarding process, but it’s no easy feat without a helping hand. By getting in touch with a letting agent and starting your search in spring, you can get settled into your new home just in time for summer.
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Posted on 11 April 2025
Top tips to decorate your home for Easter

Hang a wreath

Beautiful door decorations needn’t be confined to Christmas! Springtime wreaths – both handmade and storebought – are wonderful for greeting guests and setting a bright seasonal tone for your home’s entrance.

Get creative with table settings
Guests love thoughtful touches, and you can create lovely name cards embellished with Easter stickers or cute marker drawings, tie cutlery and napkins together with pastel ribbons, or even create mini nests by filling tea-light holders with shredded tissue and hand-painted eggs.

Create a centrepiece bowl

Easter is a wonderful time to incorporate some seasonal décor into your home, and since your dining table will be working hard this season, you might as well make it the centre of attention! Fill a large decorative bowl or layered trays with pretty trinkets such as Easter treats, painted eggs, fake baby chicks, and finish off with faux daisies and daffodils.

Let the sun flood in
Natural lighting is your home’s best friend, and now is the perfect time to make the most of spring’s beautiful golden rays by switching to lighter curtains and keeping them open during the day.

Arts and crafts

Get the kids involved with no-sew bunny and egg banners by cutting out card shapes to arrange along a piece of string. This is a great way to make use of scrapbook paper or repurpose any wallpaper remnants – the more colour variety, the better! Naturally dyed eggs are also a great way to create some vibrant Easter eggs from natural ingredients. They’re also ideal for using in an Easter egg hunt around your house or garden.

Display treats
While you’re prepping for Easter egg hunts and seasonal gifts, you may as well display your Easter treats around the home. Grab a basket and load it up with Eggs and sweet treats of every size and colour – they will make the perfect display piece before the time comes to hide them all around your garden.

Daffodil décor

Nothing brightens up a room quite like a vase filled with blooming yellow daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. While they’re still in season, you can make the most of our bright and early friends by displaying them in interesting planters and jugs. If you aren’t a fan of primary colours, you can balance out the look with a transparent or white vase to create a harmonious flower display that doesn’t throw-off your home’s colour scheme.

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Posted on 5 April 2025
Spring gardening trends

Start with a spring clean and create a vision of a better garden

Gathering the debris from winter, such as fallen branches and leaves, while formulating the vision for your garden is essential. As you tidy up the flower beds, turn over the soil, and divide up your perennials, be careful not to prune spring-blooming trees; otherwise, they may be flowerless this summer. Plan your improvements carefully, deciding what you want to achieve by embracing the trends and themes you love. A visit to a good garden centre is a great place to find inspiration.

Wellness gardens are good for you

If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life, your garden is just the place. Take this to the next level by creating a relaxation space that works best for you. It could be building a pergola and incorporating a meditation space within range of the soothing sound of a water fountain and the scent of herbs, flowers, and candles. Mood-boosting gardens are always on trend, so set your own trends with the details you love. 

A sense of fun-defined spaces

Take the opportunity this spring to define your outdoor garden spaces. Create an outdoor kitchen, living room, or play area for younger family members. A sense of fun is on trend in spring and all year round. Working in harmony and seamlessly flowing with other areas of your garden, your outdoor fun places can have layered functions and themes. Incorporate sustainability, nature, practicality, relaxation, serenity, and seasonality with a little technology to increase levels of comfort.

Edimentals are still on the rise

Edimentals are beautiful, practical, and low-maintenance plants that are both ornamental and edible. Grow delicious food with beautiful flowers among your other plants. The obvious choices are herbs and strawberry plants, which can be planted in the spring. But there are a vast number of more interesting choices you can plant in spring, such as Daylily, which is a beautiful flower that tastes delicious in salads. Japanese Wineberry is another that produces sweet-tasting berries and delicate pink flowers.

Blur your indoor and outdoor boundaries

Spring is all about creating new life in your garden. Whether you invite nature by leaving food such as cat food for hedgehogs, mealworms for badgers, fruit for foxes or a simple bird bath. Containers and plant pots are also in vogue, and you have an endless choice of plants to pick from to adorn your decking. Vertical gardens also work well in large or small gardens. Why not create an indoor garden? Plenty of light and regular watering will help it to flourish and beginning your garden inside creates a nice flow to your outside spaces. 

Planting for biodiversity and sustainability

Climate-friendly gardening is as important as ever. Plant for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Plant trees and use a water butt to collect rainwater. Grow your own bunch of flowers, use reclaimed wood to make your garden furniture or buy from sustainable furniture brands. The ever-changing weather, partially due to global warming, means it’s important to do your bit while creating shelter from the elements. A greener and more harmonious natural space leads to more beautiful results.

Tune in to the seasons

Celebrating the changing seasons is on trend. Artificial grass and garden furniture do little for the environment and are becoming less popular. Grass, meadows, wildflowers, and weeds are on trend. Dandelions come in many species, attract wildlife, and look pretty in wild gardens standing next to Daisies. Evergreens and uniformity are being replaced with more diverse and seasonal themes. Water features, shrubs, flowers, and trees infused with international influences create defined areas that flow yet contrast, such as a meadow with a neatly trimmed lawn.

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Posted on 29 March 2025
How to tell if an area has a good community spirit

Events and activities

One of the first signs of a strong community spirit is an active calendar of neighbourhood events. A great community will have regular social gatherings, festivals, charity events, funruns or meetups. These can range from street parties and farmers' markets to local sports leagues or fundraisers for a good cause. Check local community centers, notice boards, or social media groups for announcements about upcoming events. If the area is buzzing with opportunities to get involved, it's a good sign that the people living there enjoy interacting and supporting one another.

Active local social media groups
In the digital age, many villages and towns have social media pages or groups where residents share news, offer support, or just chat. Joining these groups (often on Facebook) is a great way to gauge the level of interaction in the community. Active groups show that people are engaged, whether it's recommending local businesses, helping each other with small tasks, or organizing local events. A sense of camaraderie and positive interaction online is usually a reflection of what's happening in the community offline as well.

The condition of the local area

A well-maintained neighbourhood often signals that residents care about their community. Take a walk or drive through the area and pay attention to the cleanliness of the streets, the upkeep of public spaces, and the condition of local parks or green spaces. Well-kept areas with flowers, art, and tidy streets are often maintained by community groups or local volunteers working together to keep the neighborhood pleasant and welcoming.

A welcoming atmosphere
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being welcomed by your next-door neighbours. As you explore a potential new neighborhood, take note of the interactions you have with the people you meet. Do they smile and greet you? Are people chatting in their front gardens or having friendly conversations at the local coffee shop? If you’re met with open, friendly faces and genuine interest in newcomers, it's a strong sign that the community values connection and inclusivity. Sometimes, the best way to know if an area has a good community spirit is by simply engaging with the people who live there.

Good local amenities and services

A thriving area often has a mix of good local amenities, such as schools, healthcare facilities, public transport, and shops. When an area has access to essential services and offers a good range of local businesses, it’s a sign that the people living there support one another by shopping locally and relying on shared services.

Safety and security
While safety isn't the only factor in creating a sense of community, it plays a significant role. Neighbourhoods with a strong sense of community often have residents who look out for each other. If you feel comfortable walking around at all hours of the day, seeing neighbors keeping an eye out for each other, or noticing that the neighborhood is well-lit and monitored, it indicates a close-knit community. Community-led initiatives like neighbourhood watch programs or local safety committees also show that the people living there care about the well-being of each other and are proactive in keeping the area safe.

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Posted on 22 March 2025
Regional Property Market Update Spring 2025: Northern Ireland

Economic growth expectations
Whilst economic growth expectations have moderated a little for 2025 (the Bank of England recently cut its GDP forecast for the year to 0.75%), the economy is still expected to grow and growth levels should be sufficient to drive moderate house price growth. Beyond 2025, current economic forecasts point to stronger year next year, with economic growth momentum picking up speed. With a few conflicting signals the Bank of England will likely take a slow and measured approach to further interest rate cuts, but forecasts suggest there is scope for further rate cuts. The consensus forecast for year end is 3.75%.

Sales volumes recovery
Sales volumes suffered through much of 2023 and early 2004, what is evident now in the market is a recovery to normal levels of activity. The latest month sales volume for the UK* reported 88,200 monthly sales – broadly in line with the levels of activity in the market for the 5 years prior to covid. Mortgage approvals, which are the front runner to transaction activity, have also recovered to long-term trend levels. Latest monthly data** was 66,500 exactly the same as the monthly average for the 5 years to end 2019 (pre covid).

Market Activity
January activity levels are certainly much stronger than a year ago. The number of new sellers coming to market was 13% ahead, buyer demand 8% ahead, and sales agreed numbers up by 15% according to Rightmove data. Additionally, the RICS leading indicator for prices has been at its strongest level for the last 3 months since the Truss mini budget in September 2022. First-time buyers have an extra motive to get on with their transactions, with the reversal in the stamp-duty exemption now looming close at the end of March.

Shifting market dynamics
Buyer confidence appears to be continuing to grow. In a recent poll, 62% of agents think that buyer confidence has slightly or significantly improved compared to 3 months prior*. However, the positive impact of improvements in buyer activity have been tempered slightly by extra supply for sale coming onto the market – keeping price growth low in some geographies. In fact, Rightmove data suggests that the national supply of homes for sale is at a 10 year high.

Average property values in the region were up 9% on last year’s levels. Strongest price growth was evident in Lisburn and Castlereagh, Fermanagh and Omagh and Belfast, all growing by more than 10%.
*Dataloft by PriceHubble, poll of subscribers

Cash sales
With the recovery in mortgage lending in 2024, the proportion of cash sales (those not requiring a mortgage) has also fallen back to more typical levels. Through 2023, when mortgage lending fell, the proportion of cash sales rose to a cyclical peak of 34%. For the 5 years prior to that the average was 28%. In 2024, the proportion of cash deals fell back to 31% and will likely fall back further in 2025 towards the long-term average. 12% growth in sales agreed in Northern Ireland*.

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