What will it take to keep the momentum of Q1 going into the next quarter, and are estate agents ready to capitalise on it?

After a remarkably active first quarter, driven in part by the final rush ahead of March’s stamp duty changes, there might have been an expectation of a sharp slowdown in Q2. That hasn’t materialised. In fact, while March saw a pronounced peak in completions, demand across the entire first quarter was consistently high - and the early signs for Q2 suggest a market that remains fundamentally stable, albeit facing some evolving headwinds.

According to Landmark’s latest data, property completions rose 30% in Q1, with a 71% year-on-year surge in March alone. First-time buyer activity also climbed sharply, with Barclays reporting a 70% rise in completions compared to February. Meanwhile, TwentyCi’s Q1 2025 report shows that new listings hit their highest level in seven years, with a 9.3% rise in sales agreed compared to the same period last year, highlighting a genuine upswing in activity, not just a stamp duty-driven rush.

Crucially, although early indicators from TwentyCi point to a potential softening in market momentum post-March, the underlying fundamentals remain supportive. Interest rates are expected to fall further, lending conditions are gradually easing, and affordability - while still stretched - is improving for buyers with stronger deposits.

This puts estate agents in a uniquely valuable position. But it also puts pressure on the transaction process itself - where delays, uncertainty and fall-throughs continue to frustrate all parties. Average time to exchange has risen to 4.3 months​, and fall-through rates are up more than 20% compared to a year ago, though largely driven by the end of the stamp duty relief window. All of which is to say that maintaining momentum now means going beyond simply securing listings and offers - it requires tight control over transaction progression from the outset.

Turning Demand into Certainty

The property market may no longer be surging, but it is showing resilience, with a solid foundation heading into the spring and summer months. Yet a busy market only benefits those who can complete transactions reliably.

This is where many agencies across the UK are finding ViewMyChain to be an invaluable tool:

• Full chain visibility: ViewMyChain empowers agents to identify potential delays or fall-through risks early, providing greater control over chains at every stage.
• Better buyer qualification: By using real-time data insights, agents can recommend buyers who are most likely to proceed, helping to strengthen deals from the outset.
• Proactive progression: Instead of relying on manual update calls, agents can access live progression data — allowing them to focus energy where it’s needed most.

Importantly, this isn’t speculative technology. ViewMyChain is available now, easy to adopt, and already delivering tangible value across the market.

Looking Ahead

Despite cautious signals around global economic pressures and future employment trends​ the property market outlook remains positive for now. The transaction surge in early 2025 has laid strong foundations. TwentyCi reports that detached homes and mid-to-upper price band properties remain in strong demand​ and buyers continue to value homeownership as rental conditions deteriorate.

However, as the TwentyCi report also notes, slight declines in new instructions and increasing fall-throughs post stamp duty reform, highlight why agents cannot afford to rely on a buoyant market alone​.

Q1 was a standout quarter. Q2 is holding firm. But turning momentum into profit demands more than listings and competitive mortgage products - it demands total visibility, control, and proactive management of every transaction.

And that’s exactly what ViewMyChain delivers.