I was wandering through Coton earlier this morning, grabbing a coffee, and I noticed something that perfectly sums up our local property scene right now. I saw three different people all peering through the same hedge at a "For Sale" sign. It reminded me of that feeling when a new tray of cakes comes out at the bakery—everyone wants the best slice, but there are only so many to go around!
I’m Matt Vann, and if you live anywhere from the quiet lanes of Haslingfield to the busy heart of Comberton, you’ve probably noticed the "Sold" signs appearing across the landscape as spring arrives.
Market Dynamics and Choice Let’s start with the current landscape: If you own a home in CB23, there is significant interest in your postcode. We are firmly in a market where the volume of buyers outweighs the available housing supply. It’s like trying to get a table at the most popular pub in the village on a Saturday night—the demand is high, and you definitely cannot afford to be indecisive.
Regarding the choice for buyers? You have to be proactive. With only 192 properties currently for sale across the whole CB23 area, the stock levels are relatively low. When a new home hits the internet, the competition for that specific property is often intense.
Understanding Market Activity: 5.6 There is a specific way we measure the balance of the market. Imagine if every homeowner in CB23 decided, all at once, that they weren't going to list any more properties. Based on the current volume of transactions, the existing housing supply represents 5.6 months of available stock.
Whenever this figure is under six months, it indicates a lack of choice for buyers and increased competition for sellers. Right now, with 35 homes finding new owners every single month, market activity is consistent and healthy. It is a balanced environment—high enough levels of activity to be exciting, but with enough stock moving to keep the market functional.
What’s Actually Happening in Our Streets? Did you know that in the last year, we’ve seen some significant prices being paid in our corner of the world? Over in Haslingfield, a beautiful spot on Church Street was acquired for £1,850,000, and a property in Madingley reached over £1.2 million.
However, these figures are only part of the story. While the average asking price is around £486,572, the average price people are actually paying is £408,787. This gap suggests that while demand is high, buyers are remaining disciplined and are assessing value carefully against the current stock levels.
What This Means For You
If you’re thinking of moving out: Now is an excellent time to prepare your home. Because there isn't a vast amount of housing supply to compete with (only 192 homes in the whole region!), your property will benefit from high visibility. You won’t just be another listing on a screen; you will be a primary option for those currently looking.
If you’re looking to move in: You need to be "market-ready." Have your finances sorted and your bags (metaphorically) packed. In a market where 18% of all available stock finds a buyer every single month, those who are prepared have the best chance of securing a property.
If you’re staying put: Rest easy. The high demand for our lovely villages in CB23 means your home remains a highly sought-after asset. Your investment is looking very sturdy indeed.
Whether you're in Toft, Madingley, or anywhere in between, the CB23 market is humming with activity this May. If you've got questions about how the current competition for sellers affects your specific property, give me a shout!