Five Years On: How the Property Market Has Evolved Post-Pandemic

Five Years On: How the Property Market Has Evolved Post-Pandemic

Now, five years on from that initial lockdown, the dust has started to settle. But what does the landscape look like in 2025 — and what does it mean for you if you're thinking of buying, selling, a property in the current market?

Let’s break it down.

The Great Escape... Reversed

Back in 2020 and 2021, the "race for space" was in full swing. Buyers fled cities in favour of rural and coastal havens, dreaming of gardens, home offices, and a slower pace of life. At the peak of this shift, Cornwall knocked London off the top spot as the most searched-for location on Rightmove — a first in UK history.

But as offices reopened and urban life resumed, priorities began to swing back. Today, London has reclaimed its top search position, and 58% of Londoners are now looking to stay in the capital — a sharp reversal from 2021, when less than half wanted to remain.

Seaside homes, once snapped up in days, now take three weeks longer to sell than they did during the pandemic boom. Prices in these areas have also steadied — growing just 1% annually in 2024, compared to a pandemic-era 4.5%.

What this means for McDonalds customers: If you're selling a coastal or rural property, pricing it realistically is key. The frenzied demand of 2021 has cooled, and today’s buyers are more measured. On the flip side, if you're looking to buy in these areas, there may be good value to be found.

The Space Race Still Matters

One trend that hasn’t gone away is the desire for more space.

Over the past five years, homes offering room to breathe have seen the greatest price increases. Semi-detached homes are up 23%, and detached houses have climbed 21%. In contrast, flats — especially those in urban blocks — have seen just a 7% rise.

Search terms back this up. In both 2020 and 2025, ‘garage’ is the most popular keyword among buyers, with ‘annexe’, ‘rural’ and ‘garden’ close behind. It’s clear that many still want that extra space — both inside and out — even if they’ve returned to the city.

Tip from McDonalds: Whether you're marketing a spacious semi or a cosy terraced home, highlighting usable space — gardens, garages, lofts, or annexes — can really resonate with today’s buyers.

First-Time Buyers: Progress and Pressure

Wages have risen 30% since the pandemic began — a faster pace than the 17% increase in typical first-time home prices. On paper, this gives new buyers more borrowing potential.

However, the reality isn’t so simple.

Rents have surged 42% in the same period, and with cost-of-living pressures added in, saving for a deposit remains a huge hurdle. At the same time, mortgage rates have more than doubled since 2020. A first-time buyer putting down 20% today will pay around £949 a month — up £359 from five years ago.

Advice for first-time buyers: Speak to local mortgage brokers (we can recommend a few!) and explore all your options. Shared ownership, government schemes, and new-build incentives can all help ease the leap onto the ladder.

Back to Commuting? A Balanced Future

While remote work surged during the pandemic, many employers are now encouraging a return to the office. This has pushed some buyers back toward cities and commuter hubs, looking for easy access to transport and urban amenities.

That said, the genie isn't entirely back in the bottle. Hybrid working remains strong, and flexible spaces — such as garden offices or converted lofts — are still in high demand.

McDonalds tip: If you're selling, think about how your property supports flexible working. Even a spare room or quiet corner can be marketed as an ideal home office.

Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? Try our Instant Online Valuation Tool or give our team a call for a no-obligation, expert consultation.

The market has changed — but so have you. Let’s find a property that fits your new lifestyle.

Adapted from Buy Association and Rightmove