Research from The ValPal Network revealed a significant shift in valuation activity across the UK, with regional markets showing strong momentum in November while London and the Southeast experienced notable declines.
Analysis of online valuation leads revealed the Northeast recorded a 45% year-on-year increase, making it the fastest-growing region for prospective sellers.
Northern Ireland and the Central Southern region also registered solid gains, reflecting strengthening confidence outside traditional high-value centres.
By contrast, several of the UK’s most expensive areas saw double-digit drops.
Central London fell by 36%, Outer London by 38%, and the Southeast by 67% compared with November 2024.
The Home Counties also saw activity fall by nearly half.
ValPal said part of the disparity reflects unusually high volumes in late 2024, when sellers accelerated plans ahead of the April 2025 Stamp Duty threshold changes, including a reduction in first-time buyer relief from £425,000 to £300,000.
That short-term surge has now unwound, and sentiment in higher-value areas has been further affected by negative pre-Budget speculation.
Expectations around the Government’s new high-value property levy – commonly referred to as the ‘Mansion Tax’ and due to take effect in April 2028 – may also be influencing behaviour.
Major tax changes often shape decisions years in advance, and homeowners with significant equity may look to bring forward plans.
ValPal’s analysis revealed peak activity between 10am and 2pm, with sustained engagement into the evening.
Bedroom-level data found rising interest in family homes, with three-bedroom valuation requests up 52% year-on-year, two-bedroom homes up 39%, and four-bedroom homes up 15%.
Craig Vile, director of The ValPal Network, said: “Agents cannot afford to wait for momentum to come to them. The regions showing growth are doing so because sellers there feel confident enough to take the first step, and agents in those areas are capitalising by staying highly visible.
“Before the wider market wakes up.
“The flip side is that London and the commuter belt are showing real hesitation, and that’s exactly where proactive engagement matters most. If downsizers or higher-value owners are even thinking about moving ahead of the new levy, they need clear guidance and trusted support.
“The agents who step in early – armed with local insight, accurate valuations and the right technology – will win instructions long before the wider market wakes up to what’s happening.”
He added: “Taken together, the figures point to a market in transition.
“Regions such as the Northeast, Northern Ireland and the Central Southern corridor appear to be gaining confidence, while high-value areas of London and the Southeast are seeing softer sentiment.
“Clearly, affordability continues to be a significant factor – especially in the Southeast. The expected further cut in interest rates later this month, would give the market a much-needed shot-in-the-arm as we move into 2026.”
