Those looking to sell their homes will be anything but blue this Blue Monday.

Data from property portal Rightmove suggests the average price of property coming to market for sale has risen by 1.7% this month.

The increase of £5,992 to £366,189 is the largest monthly jump at the start of a year since 2020.

However average new seller asking prices are still just under £9,000 below the May 2024 peak, reflecting buyers’ affordability constraints.

Rightmove’s figures show a record number of early-bird new sellers have come to market since Boxing Day giving buyers the highest level of choice at the start of a year since 2015.

New properties coming to the market is also up by 11% compared to the same period at the start of 2024.

However, despite the promising start to 2025 there are uncertainties ahead, including the pace and number of interest rate drops and the impact of the stamp duty deadline on March 31.

First-time buyers in cheaper parts of the country will largely be unaffected by the stamp duty changes. However, those charges rising for those buying above £300,000 will be a drag on the important bottom-of-the-ladder market in more expensive areas.

Sheldon Bosley Knight associate director and regional sales manager, Lara Hawkins said: “It’s great to hear positive news and although this is being billed as a house price rise, it is more an indication property prices are stable.

“Mortgage lenders react positively to stability and often this means a return to longer term fixed rates – which is great news for any buyer. Positive buyers mean more activity and more confidence.

“Ultimately as long as your agent understands the market, offers sound advice with regards to realistic pricing and sets clear expectations and then markets the property through multiple media avenues, 2025 should be a great year for buyers and sellers alike.”

If you would like advice on buying or selling, or a free, no obligation market appraisal please pop into one of our branches.