Falling Leaves, Rising Trends: Portsmouth Property 2025

Falling Leaves, Rising Trends: Portsmouth Property 2025

Words by Lizzie Burt – Chinneck Shaw Estate Agents and Letting Agents in Portsmouth & Southsea

The housing market in Portsmouth and Southsea enters autumn 2025 on a steady footing.

Price growth has been modest over the past year, with buyer demand holding firm in key neighbourhoods and rental demand remaining strong.

The season ahead is likely to bring stability rather than dramatic change.

Property Prices: Local Market Overview

According to Rightmove, September has seen the first monthly property price rise since May, with average asking prices across the country edging up by 0.4%.

Locally, average house prices in Portsmouth in mid-2025 were between 2% and 3% higher than in 2024.

Terraced homes, the most common type locally, have shown the most resilience. Flats have been slower to gain value, reflecting affordability pressures and a more cautious first-time buyer market.

Affordability: Mortgage Rates Ease Again

For buyers requiring a mortgage, Rightmove’s Mortgage Tracker shows the average two-year fixed rate has eased from 5.03% to 4.52%.

When combined with pay growth outpacing inflation, this increasingly puts more budgets within reach for local Portsmouth buyers.

There’s a growing sense of optimism from both buyers and sellers as we move towards the end of the year.

Neighbourhood Trends

We’ve felt this momentum first-hand at both our Portsmouth and Southsea offices. It’s been a summer of sustained activity with steady demand, plenty of viewings, and healthy local interest across our local neighbourhoods –

• Old Portsmouth: Premium prices continue, driven by limited supply and strong demand for heritage homes and harbour views.
• Southsea: Properties near the seafront and Common attract the highest interest, particularly houses with gardens or balconies.
• North End, Copnor and Fratton: More affordable and appealing to younger buyers and families seeking value.
• Gunwharf Quays: Still popular for modern apartments with amenities, though resale values are highly sensitive to presentation and market sentiment.

Rental Market

Rental demand remains high, supported by students, naval personnel and young professionals.

Well-maintained properties let quickly, particularly those with energy-efficient upgrades.

Rents have risen modestly over the past year, limited by affordability, with tenants showing a clear preference for modern kitchens, fresh décor and homes with lower running costs.

Buyer Behaviour in Autumn 2025

The typical buyer this autumn is cautious and selective. Alongside location and price, energy performance and maintenance costs are influencing decisions.

Over-priced properties are sticking on the market, while realistically priced, well-presented homes are attracting offers. Homes requiring significant work are proving harder to shift unless priced competitively.

Key Features Adding Value

Current trends show that certain upgrades consistently support stronger sale prices and quicker transactions:

• Energy efficiency improvements such as double glazing and modern heating.
• Kitchens and bathrooms in good condition, ideally updated within the last decade.
• Flexible layouts that accommodate home working.
• Outdoor space, whether gardens, balconies or terraces.

Outlook for the Rest of 2025

Portsmouth and Southsea’s housing market is expected to remain steady through the rest of the year.

Modest price growth of around 2–4% is likely, concentrated in desirable neighbourhoods and well-presented properties.

Rental demand will remain strong, ensuring landlords continue to see consistent returns, though higher standards from tenants mean investment in property condition is increasingly important.

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