National Picture: A More Balanced Market
Rightmove’s latest data shows average asking prices fell 1.3% in August to £368,740, the first dip since spring, but sales activity remains high, with transactions up 8% year-on-year.
Correctly priced homes are selling in 32 days on average, compared to 99 days for overpriced listings.
For lettings, the ONS reports average UK rents up 6.7% year-on-year to £1,344/month, with the South East averaging £1,399.
RICS warns that rental listings are shrinking, meaning strong yields for landlords despite affordability pressures.
Bourne Area Breakdown
Guildford – Prime Commuter Hub
- Sales: Homes near the town centre and university are performing well, with demand especially strong for Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Correctly priced properties here are selling within 3–4 weeks.
- Lettings: Rents have climbed to £1,200/month for 1-beds and £2,000+ for 3-beds. Proximity to London and excellent schools keeps demand resilient. Many homes are letting before they hit Rightmove.
Farnham – Family Buyers & Countryside Appeal
- Sales: Family homes near South Farnham and The Bourne remain hot property. Realistic pricing is crucial to prevent overpriced stock sitting unsold, as well-marketed homes are moving quickly.
- Lettings: 2–3 bed family homes (£1,500–£1,900) are the sweet spot, especially those near popular schools. Larger detached homes with gardens are attracting relocators.
Godalming – Lifestyle Living
- Sales: The town’s mix of period charm and riverside living keeps it a favourite for buyers moving from London. Chain-free homes are especially competitive.
- Lettings: Quality homes here achieve £1,600–£2,100/month, with demand from professionals looking for green space plus commuter links.
Alton – Affordability Drives Demand
- Sales: As prices in Guildford and Farnham rise, Alton offers excellent value. Properties under £500k are moving well with first-time buyers and young families.
- Lettings: High demand for 2–3 bed houses (£1,300–£1,700), with many homes securing tenants within days of listing.
Petersfield – Countryside & Commuter Balance
- Sales: The South Downs National Park location makes Petersfield a magnet for buyers seeking lifestyle moves. Family houses near schools are leading the market.
- Lettings: Consistent rental growth (5–6% YoY) with 2–4 bed homes achieving £1,400–£1,800. Many London relocators continue to choose Petersfield for the blend of countryside and connectivity.
Woking – Fast-Paced Sales & Lettings
- Sales: Woking remains one of the most competitive towns in our network. Excellent train links (London Waterloo in under 30 minutes) mean family homes and modern apartments are selling rapidly.
- Lettings: £1,600–£2,000/month for well-presented homes, with steady demand from commuters and corporate tenants. Homes with parking are snapped up fastest.
Cobham – Premium Market Stays Strong
- Sales: Cobham remains one of the strongest luxury markets, with £1m+ homes continuing to attract buyers from London. Well-presented family homes are selling despite tighter affordability.
- Lettings: The corporate relocation market is driving demand, with 3–4 bed homes achieving £2,500–£3,200/month. Short supply means voids are rare.
Ash Vale – Popular with Relocators
- Sales: Competitive pricing is helping homes shift, especially for first-time buyers priced out of Guildford. Demand is strongest for 3-bed semis and family-friendly layouts.
- Lettings: Achieving £1,400–£1,900/month, Ash Vale is proving popular with tenants seeking value, transport links, and outdoor space. Families relocating from London are a key driver.
Key Takeaways
- Sales: Homes are still moving quickly when priced right. Buyers are selective, but demand remains strong, particularly for family homes and chain-free properties.
- Lettings: Tenant demand is at record highs. Across all Bourne locations, we are letting many homes before they reach the open market thanks to a pool of waiting tenants.
- Landlords: This is one of the best rental markets in recent years; low voids, rising rents, and a shortage of supply mean excellent yields.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re buying, selling, letting, or investing, the market is still full of opportunity.
Contact your local Bourne office in Guildford, Farnham, Godalming, Alton, Petersfield, Woking, Cobham, or Ash Vale to find out how we can help you make the most of these conditions.
Book your free property valuation today.
Data sources: Rightmove & Zoopla
