Derby Property Market Update: Buyers vs Sellers – Who Has the Upper Hand?
The Derby property market is holding steady in 2025 - but is it a buyers’ or sellers’ market? From postcode breakdowns to mortgage trends, we reveal who holds the advantage right now, and what it means if you’re buying, selling, or investing in Derby.
If you’re thinking of moving home in Derby in the next 6 -12 months, you’re probably asking yourself one big question: is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
Whether you’re a Derby landlord weighing up buy-to-let opportunities, a homeowner considering selling your house in Derby, or a first-time buyer in Derby looking to get onto the ladder, understanding the local market is key.
How We Measure the Market in Derby
One of the clearest ways to judge the health of the Derby property market is by tracking the percentage of homes marked as Sold STC or Under Offer compared to the total number of properties available. This “sales ratio” acts as a barometer for demand, showing whether buyers or sellers have the upper hand.
For example, if 400 homes are on the market and 100 are Sold STC, the sales percentage is 25%. The higher the percentage, the more it leans in favour of sellers.
Here’s the scale:
0–20%: Extreme Buyers’ Market
21–29%: Buyers’ Market
30–40%: Balanced Market
41–49%: Sellers’ Market
50–59%: Hot Sellers’ Market
60%+: Extreme Sellers’ Market
What’s Happening in Derby Right Now?
Looking at 2025 figures across key postcodes (DE1, DE3, DE21, DE22, DE23, DE24, DE73), Derby has consistently stayed between 44% and 48% this year - firmly in sellers’ market territory.
January: 48%
May: 44% (softening but still sellers’ market)
August: 48% back up again
Interestingly, some postcodes are performing much stronger than others:
DE24 hit 58% – edging towards a hot sellers’ market.
DE21 and DE3 also performed strongly, at 53% and 54%.
DE1, on the other hand, was just 32%, showing a more balanced market in the city centre.
This postcode variation means that while the overall Derby market favours sellers, the opportunities for buyers differ depending on where you look.
What This Means for Derby Sellers
The good news? Sellers still have the advantage - but only if their home is launched to market correctly. With buyers having more choice, the homes that sell are the ones with:
🔸 Accurate, evidence-based pricing
🔸 Professional photography and floorplans
🔸 Strong digital marketing and video tours
🔸 A strategic launch that creates urgency
Overpricing remains the biggest risk, leading to price reductions and stalled sales. If you’re thinking of selling your house in Derby, pricing it right from the start is essential.
What This Means for Derby Buyers
If you’re looking for homes for sale in Derby, the market is calmer than the frenzy of 2021/22. That means you can take a breath, compare options, and in some cases negotiate. But don’t wait too long—the best homes still attract multiple buyers.
Having a mortgage Agreement in Principle ready will give you the edge. And widening your search area, especially into postcodes like DE73 or DE22, could uncover better value compared to hotter spots like DE24.
The Mortgage Effect
Recent interest rate cuts have boosted confidence. With some fixed-rate deals now dipping below 4%, first-time buyers in Derby and upsizers alike are coming back into the market. For buy-to-let landlords, stronger-yielding parts of Derby are once again looking attractive as rental demand remains high.
Final Thoughts on the Derby Property Market
The Derby market remains steady and competitive. Sellers have the edge, but buyers who are prepared and flexible can still find great opportunities. Realistic pricing is more important than ever: nationally, only around half of homes that leave estate agents’ books actually sell, with the rest withdrawn unsold.
At Cope & Co., we know how to position your property for success. Whether you’re selling, buying, or investing in buy-to-let, our local expertise and evidence-backed approach ensure you get the best possible result.
👉 Thinking of moving in the next six months? Contact us today to discuss your plans and get a tailored Derby market update.
