How Long Does a Property Spend on the Market in Boston?

When browsing property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla or On The Market), many people wonder why some Boston homes linger on the market far longer than others. It’s easy to assume there’s something wrong - an issue with the property, an inflated asking price, or a lack of interest - but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, it’s simply down to poor marketing, unrealistic expectations, or even a change in the seller's circumstances.

If you’re on the other side of the fence, currently selling a home in Boston, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Why is this taking so long?” Whether your property seems to be lingering on the market or you’re struggling to find that dream home, delays are often a natural byproduct of the property market’s ebbs and flows.

But how long is too long to wait before something changes?

Let’s face it, when your home stays unsold longer than expected, frustration sets in. Is it the market? Is the price too high? Or is there simply less demand for your type of property? If your home sits at the premium end of the market, delays are par for the course. Higher value properties have fewer buyers, meaning patience is a virtue - but even so, the right strategy can make all the difference.

One of the biggest culprits for a slow sale is overpricing. Even if you’re happy to accept a lower offer, an unrealistic asking price can stop potential buyers from even booking a viewing.

First impressions matter, and buyers compare everything they see online before deciding which properties are worth their time. The bottom line? If your price doesn’t align with the market, you’re already at a disadvantage.

The Latest Market Trends in Boston

The following data highlights how long properties in Boston have been on the market today compared to January 2024, offering insight into recent trends. This isn’t about how long it takes to sell a home but rather the current duration properties have been listed. These figures can help identify shifts in market activity and buyer demand over time.

·         Detached homes in Boston - Average time on the market today is 138 days, compared to 151 days in Jan 2024.

·         Semi-Detached homes in Boston - Average time on the market today is 128 days, compared to 110 days in Jan 2024.

·         Terraced/Town Houses in Boston - Average time on the market today is 130 days, compared to 111 days in Jan 2024.

·         Flats/Apartments in Boston - Average time on the market today is 176 days, compared to 271 days in Jan 2024.

 

An Interesting Boston Property Market for Buyers

The overall number of homes available in Boston (town centre plus 2 miles) has remained roughly the same over the past year, going from 412 in January 2024 to 398 in January 2025. However, it gets even more interesting when we split it down by property type.

Here’s the breakdown:

·         Detached homes in Boston - 144 for sale in January 2025, compared to 188 - a 23.4% decrease.

·         Semi-Detached homes in Boston - 111 for sale in January 2025, compared to 95 - a 16.8% increase.

·         Terraced/Town Houses in Boston - 58 for sale in January 2025, compared to 43 - a 34.9% increase.

·         Flats/Apartments in Boston - 37 for sale in January 2025, compared to 32 - a 15.6% increase.

·         Others (Mobile Homes/Building Plots etc) in Boston - 48 for sale in January 2025, compared to 54 - a 11.1% decrease.

 

 

The Importance of Presentation of Your Boston Home

Buyers today have no shortage of tools to help them browse properties on the portals meaning they can scroll through hundreds of options in a matter of minutes. The average buyer views just 4-5 homes before making a decision on which home to buy, spending barely 25 minutes in each. If your property doesn’t stand out from the crowd with top quality photos, well designed brochures, and engaging video tours, it risks being dismissed without a second thought.

It’s not just about having the right asking price - it’s about making sure your home looks and feels irresistible online. Buyers need to imagine themselves living there, and that starts with how your property is presented.

Advice for Boston Buyers: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

For buyers, finding the perfect home isn’t just about what’s on the market; it’s about being one step ahead. Did you know that around 10% of properties never make it onto the portals? Many buyers miss out on their dream homes simply because they’re relying solely on online searches. Registering directly with estate agents can give you an inside track on upcoming properties before they’re widely advertised.

Beyond that, patience is key. Finding the right property takes time, especially when you’re balancing factors like budget, location, schooling, and family needs. Rushing into a decision often leads to regrets. With so much money at stake, it’s worth taking a step back and considering every option carefully.

What Does This Mean for You?

Whether you’re buying or selling, Boston’s property market continues to offer opportunities - provided you approach it with the right mindset. For sellers, the message is clear: price realistically, present professionally, and ensure your home shines in a crowded market. For buyers, it’s about staying proactive, patient, and ready to act when the right property comes along.

Ultimately, the Boston property market rewards those who take a considered, strategic approach. Whether your goal is to sell quickly or secure that dream home, understanding the market dynamics can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Next week, I’ll talk about exactly how long Boston properties are taking to sell.

 

 

The 2024 Boston Property Market

An analysis of last year’s property market

and what will happen in 2025?

 

As an experienced estate and letting agent based in Boston, I like to monitor the UK and Boston property market trends.

 

Therefore, I will start by analysing the 2024 property market (both nationally and locally) and then give my predictions for 2025.

 

In 2024, the UK property market recorded 1,230,136 homes sold subject to contract (stc). This figure represents a significant increase compared to 2023, where only 1,066,212 properties were sold stc.

 

15.4% more UK homes sold stc in 2024, compared to 2023

 

For those of you who like your property stats, the average price of the UK property sold stc in 2023 was £354,981 with an average of £331/sq.ft. In 2024, the average sale agreed price was 1.84% higher at £361,529, yet the average pound per square foot was 2.72% higher at £340/sq.ft.

 

The number of transactions has significantly risen, while the average price paid for a UK property and the pound per square foot has remained relatively the same. That means that while house prices have not really risen, the number of UK homes that sold did significantly. Remember, the best bellwether of the health of the UK property market is not necessarily UK house prices but the number of homes sold.

 

Such a change in the property market demands a deeper analysis to understand the underlying factors and what they might mean for local markets, such as Boston.

 

Key Drivers of the UK Property Market Surge

 

Several factors have contributed to this positive momentum:

 

1. Falling Mortgage Rates: Lower interest rates have made borrowing more accessible, encouraging buyers who may have previously hesitated due to affordability concerns.
2. Wage Growth: Rising wages have given potential buyers greater financial confidence, enabling them to consider property purchases.
3. Low Unemployment: A stable job market has fostered a sense of security, emboldening people to make significant life investments, such as buying a home.
4. Changing Preferences: Post-pandemic shifts in how and where people want to live continue to play a role, with buyers seeking properties that align with their evolving lifestyles.

 

 

Boston’s Property Market: A Comparative Analysis

 

When we turn our attention to Boston, it's important to recognise that local markets can behave differently from national trends (Boston being PE21).

 

In 2023, 754 Boston homes sold for an average of £192,240 (at an average of £186/sq.ft.), while in 2024, 801 Boston homes sold for an average of £196,300 (at an average of £188/sq.ft.).

 

The most important thing here is the increase in the number of transactions.

 

6.2% increase in Boston home sales in 2024 compared to 2023.

 

As I've stated before, the number of transactions is a much better bellwether of the health of the property market than house prices.

 

So, what of 2025?

 

Local Influences Shaping Boston’s Property Market

 

Boston's property market doesn't exist in isolation - it's shaped by a range of local factors that are often similar yet different from national trends. Changes in employment levels, ongoing infrastructure developments, and shifts in the local demographic profile can all impact it.

 

Regional policies can also influence market activity. Understanding these nuances is essential for property owners and landlords who want to make strategic decisions.

 

Looking Ahead into 2025: Advice for Boston Homeowners and Landlords

 

As we enter 2025, the UK property market shows continued promise, yet a one-size-fits-all approach won't work in Boston. National patterns interact uniquely with local circumstances, meaning it's vital to focus on what's happening on the ground here.

 

Local market knowledge is a key advantage for Boston homeowners planning to sell or landlords managing portfolios. Evaluating your property's position within the Boston market could make all the difference in navigating opportunities or mitigating challenges in the year ahead. While 2024 was strong, it’s critical to go beyond the headlines. Local insights often reveal opportunities that broad trends don’t capture.

 

Of the 1,071 homes that left Boston estate agent books in 2024, only 642 of those homes the owner sold and moved (59.94%), while the remaining 429 homes (40.06%) withdrew, unsold

 

 

The Key to Selling Your Home in Boston is Realistic Pricing

 

Looking at the statistics above, over half of the properties listed for sale in Boston go on to sell. This highlights an essential truth about the Boston property market: pricing your home realistically is the single most crucial factor in securing a successful sale. Many estate agents are tempted to overprice properties to win your business, but this approach can significantly hinder your chances of selling, especially in a competitive market like Boston.

 

Research by ‘Denton House’ reveals that properties listed at the right price from the start are far more likely to sell quickly and successfully. For example, homes that sell within the first 25 days of being listed have a 94% likelihood of reaching completion and ensuring the homeowner successfully moves. However, if a property lingers on the market for over 100 days, if the homeowner does agree on a sale, the chances of that sale going on to exchange and complete (i.e. the homeowner moving) plummet dramatically to 56%.

 

As an experienced local estate agent in Boston, I understand the intricacies of our market and can provide honest, expert advice about your property's value. I aim to help you set a realistic asking price that maximises your chances of selling while achieving a fair and competitive market value. I analyse local market conditions daily and stay up-to-date with shifting trends, ensuring your home is priced to sell - not to sit on the market.

 

If you’re eager to move and want a reliable, professional approach to selling your home in 2025, I'm here to help. Let's work together to make your property stand out in Boston's market, attract motivated buyers and ensure a smooth sale from start to finish. Get in touch today for tailored advice and a strategy to sell your Boston home.