From the data we have in 2025 (so far), some consistent patterns are emerging about which property types are doing well, which are less popular, and why!
Key Trends by Property Type
Property Type
How They're Performing
Why They’re in Demand / Lagging Behind
Semi-detached houses
Among the strongest performers in terms of price growth and demand. Faster to sell in many regions.
Buyers are still chasing more space — gardens, separate rooms, flexible layouts. Semi-detached tends to balance cost vs space better than fully detached or flats, especially as mortgage rates remain significant.
Detached houses
Still doing decently, especially in suburban or rural areas, though their growth is a bit more muted in expensive locations.
Premium for space & privacy attracts those who can afford it. But high prices, larger running costs, and higher asking prices mean fewer buyers can step up to this level.
Terraced houses
Also fairly strong in many areas. Desirable especially in commuter belts and moderately priced towns/cities.
Terraced houses offer a compromise: often more affordable than detached, decent size, often well-located for amenities & transport. They’ve benefited in places where buyers want a bit more space but are priced out of detached or semi-detached.
Flats / Apartments / Maisonettes
Lagging behind other house types in many respects: slower price growth, longer time on market, more sensitive to location & building condition.
Several reasons: less outdoor/private space; rising costs of service charges and maintenance; some oversupply in certain urban centres; also less attractive post-COVID to some buyers wanting space and private gardens. Still appealing for certain buyer groups — first-time buyers, downsizers, investors in high-density areas.
Other Notable Features & Extra Trends
- Fixer-uppers / “homes needing renovation” are getting more attention — buyers looking to save on initial purchase costs are more willing to take on renovation work. Listings in this category tend to go under offer quicker relative to modern or fully finished homes, especially in regions where property values are rising more strongly. pgml.co.uk
- Three-bed semi-detached houses remain especially popular. They consistently appear among the most in-demand types — often offering the “just right” sweet spot for families: enough space, often with a garden, but not the high premiums of detached homes. Homemove+1
- Speed of sale varies by property type: flats tend to take longer from listing to sale (or “sold subject to contract”) than houses of comparable value. Semi & terraced tend to move faster than flats in many UK markets. Sold.co.uk+1
Regional Differences & Price Sensitivity
- In pricier areas (especially in and around London and the South East), demand for large detached houses is softer — high absolute costs, policy/tax uncertainty, and affordability constraints are shrinking the buyer pool.
- In contrast, in more affordable regions of the North, Midlands, parts of Scotland, etc., there’s strong demand for semis and terraces. Detached homes still sell, but growth is more concentrated in semi-detached / mid-sized homes in those areas.
- Flats are doing relatively better in certain regional city-centres (outside London), where urban amenities, good transport links, and regeneration or investment are active. But again, their appeal is more niche when compared with houses with outdoor/private space.
Why These Types are Favored Right Now
Putting the data and buyer behaviour together, several reasons explain why semis, terraces, and fixer-uppers are winning out:
Affordability & cost of borrowing pressures — As mortgage rates stay elevated (or only gradually ease), more buyers are being priced out of the very high end. They often compromise downward or sideways: choosing smaller houses or ones in less expensive neighborhoods.
Desire for space (post-pandemic preferences still matter) — Gardens, separate rooms for home working, more privacy are still in demand. Buyers are less willing to accept cramped or shared outdoor spaces, which makes flats less attractive unless they have compensating amenities.
Supply constraints among desirable house types — There is less new supply of semi-detached or terraced homes in many areas, especially with good schools/transport, which pushes up their market appeal.
Risk & sentiment — Policy uncertainty (taxes, regulation), higher maintenance or service charges for flats/apartments, and higher running costs for large detached homes all feed into buyer caution. Buyers often prefer tried & tested mid-market house types that balance risk and features.
What Types of Properties Are NOT Doing So Well
- High-end luxury detached homes are slower to sell, especially where pricing is stretched or subject to speculation about taxation / regulation. Buyer demand in those segments is softer. The Times
- Flats in some urban centres, particularly older ones or ones with higher service costs or less desirable amenities, are struggling relative to houses.
- Large detached homes in expensive regions often face reduced demand because the upfront cost + ongoing running / maintenance costs + tax/supply/risk make them less appealing to many buyers.
What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors
- For Buyers:
- If you want a home that sells well, aim for a 3-bed semi or terrace in a desirable area. It gives you good value, appeal, and liquidity (you’ll likely re-sell more easily).
- Consider fixer-uppers if you have time and budget for renovation; they offer some of the best “bang for buck” if done well.
- Flats are still okay if located in strong locations (good transport links, amenities), but ensure you understand all costs (maintenance, service charges etc).
- For Sellers:
- If you have a mid-market house (semi, terrace), you’re in a strong position. Price it realistically, invest in presentation, and market the key features buyers are looking for (space, garden/private/outdoor, condition).
- If selling a flat or luxury/detached house, be aware you may need to be more competitive on price or offer compelling value propositions (refurbishment, amenities, location).
- For Investors / Developers:
- There's opportunity in mid-market houses and terraces, including in near-city commuter zones. Investors may get better yield/demand here.
- Properties needing renovation or improvement (flip potential or upgrades) are also attractive if you can control costs.
- Less risk in mid-market house types — flat investment is still viable but you’ll have to pick carefully (service costs, location, condition matter much more).
Conclusion
In short: the most in-demand UK homes right now are those that balance space, cost, and location. Semi-detached & terraced houses especially stand out, as do fixer-uppers in areas with rising values. Homes that overextend on cost (luxury detached in prime zones) or underdeliver on what modern buyers want (flats without amenities, cramped spaces) are lagging.
