Have you ever walked into your local shop for a loaf of bread, only to find the shelves are either completely empty or so overflowing that you can’t decide which one to pick? Right now, if you’re looking at homes from the leafy lanes of Hartford over to the historic streets of Godmanchester, the "property shelf" is looking surprisingly organised. There is a healthy level of stock, providing a stable environment for both those moving in and those moving on.
I’m Craig Burkitt, and I’ve been peering behind the curtains of our local PE29 property scene this June.
Before we dive in, let me ask you something: do you think a market with high stock levels is a bad thing? Most people assume that if there isn't a frantic scramble for every listing, the market is "crashing." In reality, what we’re seeing across PE29 right now is actually quite refreshing. It’s what we call a balanced market.
Think of it like a see-saw that’s perfectly level. For every person looking to move into a lovely spot like Ream Close, there is a consistent level of housing supply waiting for them, meaning there isn't the same level of intense competition for every set of keys.
The Magic Number: 8.3
The biggest clue to what’s happening is the relationship between the number of properties currently for sale and the volume of monthly transactions. If we look at the current ratio of stock versus the number of people successfully finding a new home, we have a figure of 8.3.
Because this ratio is above six, the market dynamics are shifting. It represents a significant increase in choice for buyers compared to the "seller’s marathon" we saw a few years back. There are currently 243 properties for sale across our postcode. To give you an idea of the market activity, about 30 homes are finding new owners every single month.
This means roughly 12% of the available stock levels are being committed to monthly. It’s a steady, rhythmic heartbeat—not a racing pulse.
From Terraces to The Grove
We’ve seen some staggering activity lately. Did you know a stunning home on The Grove in Hartford recently sold for £1,500,000? At the same time, we’ve seen beautiful places on Offord Road in Godmanchester and Dartmoor Drive finding buyers for around the £850,000 mark.
While the average price people are actually paying across the whole of PE29 is £283,398, the wide variety of homes—from cosy flats to grand houses—means there is a lot of choice out there.
What does this mean for your back pocket?
If you are thinking of selling: You need to be aware of the competition for sellers. Because there are 243 other homes for buyers to look at, yours needs to look its absolute best. You can’t just put a sign up and hope for the best; you need to price it sensibly to catch the eye of those 30 buyers who move every month. Your home is still a very valuable asset, but buyers are using the increased housing supply to make sure they’re picking the right one.
If you are looking to buy: Deep breath—you can actually enjoy the process! With the current stock levels, you have the opportunity to view a variety of homes. You have a bit more room to chat about the price and make sure the garden is exactly the right size for your dog or your veggie patch, as there is plenty of choice for buyers right now.
If you’re staying put: Your home’s value is holding steady. We aren't seeing the wild price jumps of the past, but the steady flow of 333 sales over the last year shows that PE29 remains a place where people really want to live.
Whether you’re in the heart of town or in the quiet corners of the PE29 villages, the market is finding its balance. It’s a great time to make a move with a clear head and plenty of options!