What if you woke up tomorrow morning and found out that every single "For Sale" board from Barkingside to Fairlop had vanished? If not one single new house was put up for sale starting today, we would eventually reach a point where every home currently on the market had found a new owner.
This scenario helps us understand the current volume of housing supply in the local area. Many people assume that houses in the IG6 postcode are always in a state of extreme shortage, but the truth right now is actually more measured. We are currently in what we call a "Balanced Market."
Imagine you’re at a local fairground. A "Seller's Market" is like the most popular rollercoaster where the queue stretches around the corner and people are fighting for a seat. A "Buyer's Market" is like the quiet tea-cups ride where the operator is waving people over to please come and have a go. Right now, IG6 is like the giant slide—there’s a steady stream of people, everyone is having a good time, but there is enough capacity for everyone to participate without a struggle.
The Magic Number: 7.1
In the property world, we look at the ratio between available homes and successful sales to see who has the upper hand. In IG6 right now, the current level of stock is 7.1.
Because this number is slightly over six, it tells us that there is a significant amount of choice for buyers. There are currently 155 properties waiting for a new family to move in. From the leafy corners of Hazel Lane to the newer builds on Hoveton Way, there is a healthy volume of stock out there.
On average, 22 homes are finding buyers every month across the postcode. If you do the maths, that means about 14% of the available housing supply changes hands each month. It’s a steady, healthy heartbeat for the neighbourhood activity.
What’s actually happening on the High Street?
Did you know that while the average price people ask for in IG6 is around £481,941, the price people are actually paying over the last year has been higher, at £490,829?
This is a fascinating little quirk. It suggests that while there is plenty of choice for buyers, the really "good ones"—the ones with the nice gardens or the perfect kitchens near Fairlop Waters—are still sparking high levels of interest. We’ve even seen some significant activity recently, like a property on Peregrine Road reaching £1,600,000 and homes on Hoveton Way achieving over £760,000.
What does this mean for your front door?
If you are thinking of selling: You don't need to worry, but you do need to be realistic about the competition for sellers. Your home is entering a market with a good amount of available stock. However, because 22 families are still buying every month, your home will be successful if it looks its best and is priced fairly. You’re in a steady market where quality stands out amidst the choice available.
If you are looking to buy: You are in a lovely position. With the current housing supply at 7.1, you have the luxury of choice. You don’t necessarily have to feel pressured the second a house hits the internet. You have the opportunity to check the water pressure, measure the garden, and maybe even visit the street on a Friday night to see if it's quiet. You have a bit more "say" in the conversation than you would have had a year or two ago.
If you’re just staying put: It’s good news for you, too. The fact that sold prices are holding up slightly higher than asking prices shows that there is consistent demand for the available stock in IG6. Whether you're near the shops in Barkingside or the quiet lanes of Fullwell Cross, your patch of land remains a very desirable place to be.
The market isn't a race track right now—it's more of a pleasant Sunday stroll. And honestly? That’s usually when the best decisions are made.