Galbraith, with offices across the north of England and Scotland, reports a very active market over the summer, with property sales during July at a ten-year high in the north-east of England, compared with the same period in previous years.

Northumberland and the north-east of England attracts buyers from the south of England, from Scotland and from the rest of the UK, due to lifestyle factors and favourable property prices compared with other parts of the country.

Sam Gibson, a partner with Galbraith in Hexham, commented: “The number of properties for sale recorded in July 2025 for the north-east region is higher than during any other month of July over the past decade so there is choice for buyers.  The market is price sensitive as a consequence but there has been a notable increase in property launches this summer, with well-motivated sellers acting decisively to sell their property during a period of heightened market activity.

“The value for money on offer in the north-east of England is still a major pull factor to the region, coupled with lifestyle factors such as the beauty of the natural environment, superb opportunities for leisure activities and easy access to the city of Newcastle.”

The potential for tax increases in the autumn budget should prompt action for those looking to move house by early November, Galbraith advises. Many economic forecasts predict an increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or the abolition of mixed-use Stamp Duty. Changes to either of these would affect a significant portion of the property market, including those looking to sell land, a commercial or mixed-use property, or a property which is not the owner’s principal residence. There is also the potential for the government to levy CGT on all residential properties, not just second homes, which would mark a major policy shift.

The rate of CGT was increased in 2024 for both basic rate and higher rate taxpayers, (although the rates imposed on residential property remained unchanged). The amount of revenue generated for the Treasury from the tax has fallen, from nearly £17 billion in 2022/23 to £14.5 billion in 2023/24, to £13.1 billion in 2024/25.

Sam Gibson continued: “One hopes that falling receipts from the recent increases in CGT will give the Chancellor pause for thought. A property market that functions properly provides numerous benefits for the economy, generating tax take, creating jobs, boosting consumer confidence and allowing people to relocate for work. Where there is a perception that a tax increase is imminent, there will be changes in behaviour in anticipation and potential market stagnation.

“The good news for both buyers and sellers is that there is still time to complete a transaction before any tax increases in the autumn budget,  likely to take place in early November. Availability of property remains good and buyer confidence has remained buoyant over the past year.  The factors underpinning activity in the property market remain very favourable, particularly in the north-east of England, where the lifestyle on offer, value for money and the quality of rural property hold huge appeal to a wide pool of buyers.”

Currently on the market through Galbraith in Hexham:

An outstanding country house in a peaceful location, with four reception rooms, a luxurious dining kitchen, five bedrooms including principal suite, four further en suite bathrooms, study, beautiful garden and grounds, triple garage and paddock.