From Lockdown to Now: How the Housing Market Has Evolved

From Lockdown to Now: How the Housing Market Has Evolved

Discover how the property market has shifted since the pandemic across Beckenham, Orpington, Greenwich, Bromley, and beyond. Integra Estates breaks down local trends, buyer behaviour, and what sellers need to know in 2025.

A New Era for the Property Market: Local Trends Five Years After Lockdown

The days of the pandemic ‘race for space’ feel like a distant memory—but its impact on the property market still lingers. At Integra Estates, we’ve been at the forefront of change, helping homeowners across areas like Beckenham, Sydenham, and Orpington navigate a new landscape.

Five years on, one thing remains clear: space is still in high demand—but the rush to the coast has calmed, and local city suburbs are thriving once again.

Urban Living Makes a Strong Comeback

During the height of lockdown, homebuyers fled to rural and coastal areas in search of bigger gardens and more breathing room. But fast forward to 2025, and we’re seeing renewed interest in vibrant communities across South East London and North Kent. Locations like Crystal Palace, Lewisham, Forest Hill and Eltham are once again capturing the spotlight.

In fact, city-living benefits—such as access to schools, amenities, and excellent transport links—have reignited demand in key commuter zones like Bickley, Lee, Blackheath and Park Langley.

Buyer Priorities: What Matters Most in 2025

Despite changing locations, buyers haven’t let go of their dream for more space. Detached and semi-detached homes in areas like Chislehurst, Locksbottom and Petts Wood have seen price increases of over 20% since 2020, while flats have experienced more modest growth

Here’s how five-year price growth compares:

Property Type Avg Asking Price Five-Year Growth Semi-Detached House £326,918 +23% Detached House £545,869 +21% Terraced House £303,622 +20% Bungalow £342,518 +21% Flat £304,526 +7%

Searches for properties with gardens, garages, annexes, and even acreage remain high—proving that the desire for lifestyle-enhancing features is here to stay.

First-Time Buyers: Challenges & Opportunities

Affordability is still a concern, particularly for first-time buyers in places like Catford, Anerley and Greenwich. The average first home now costs over £227,000—a 17% increase since 2020. Meanwhile, mortgage rates have more than doubled and average monthly payments have jumped by over £350

But there’s a silver lining. Wage growth has outpaced house prices in many areas, meaning buyers could potentially borrow more—even if saving for a deposit is proving tough due to soaring rents.

Sellers: How to Position Your Property in Today’s Market

As the market returns to balance, sellers need to adapt. The frenzied bidding wars of 2021 may be behind us, but the right strategy still delivers exceptional results.

Local knowledge is key. At Integra Estates, we’re seeing strong interest in:

Family homes in Petts Wood, Park Langley & Bromley

Character homes in Forest Hill & Sydenham

Commuter-friendly locations like Eltham & Lee

Stylish flats in Greenwich & Lewisham

Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, Integra Estates is here to guide you through every step with honesty, care, and local expertise

📞 Call us on 0203 870 0000📧 Email [email protected]Or explore more at www.integra-estates.com