We examine the housing market in Exeter, Devon, and look at:
- Why it is a sought-after place to live
- Recent sold house prices
- Comments from estate agents in Exeter
- Properties for sale in Exeter
Why Exeter in the south west is a sought-after place to live
A thriving and rapidly growing city with a population of around 130,000, Exeter has attracted new industries over recent years which are providing a wide range of jobs.
While business and financial services are the major sectors, other employment is provided by public services, health, education and research and development.
Exeter University, one of the UK’s top 20 universities, adds to the city’s appeal and the Meteorological Office is also based there. Exeter also has excellent road and rail links and an airport.
There are plans to build 12,000 new homes, improve the infrastructure and deliver more growth while protecting the city’s high-quality environment.
Exeter has Roman foundations, and today a variety of architectural styles can be seen, including Victorian and Edwardian terraces, with many properties being built from the local dark red sandstone. There’s bound to be properties matching your wish list, from exciting architect-designed homes, to houses built by new homes developers such as Bovis Homes. The city has 20 conservation areas, approximately 1813 listed buildings, and 19 scheduled monuments.
Recent sold house prices provided by Rightmove
House prices averaged £312,276 over the last year. Terraced houses sold for an average of £302,597, semi-detached houses for £333,016, and flats averaged £178,736. Overall sold prices were up 3% on the previous year and 11% higher than the 2018 peak of £281,452.
These figures from Rightmove indicate Exeter sales prices over recent years.
| Property Type | Sold Price | Date |
| Flat | £216,000 | May 2022 |
| £171,000 | Jan 2019 | |
| £158,500 | Sept 2016 | |
| Detached house | £465,000 | May 2022 |
| £401,000 | June 2018 | |
| 2 bedroom semi-detached house | £320,000 | May 2022 |
| £200,000 | Dec 2014 | |
| £169,950 | June 2007 | |
| 3 bedroom detached house | £451,000 | May 2022 |
| £285,000 | June 2017 | |
| £221,000 | Aug 2008 | |
| 3 bedroom terraced house | £350,000 | May 2022 |
| £250,000 | Sept 2018 | |
| 4 bedroom detached house | £350,000 | April 2022 |
| £227,000 | Aug 2009 | |
| 5 bedroom semi-detached house | £800,000 | April 2022 |
| £350,000 | July 2004 | |
| £220,000 | July 2001 | |
| 5 bedroom detached house | £800,000 | April 2022 |
| £525,000 | Dec 2017 | |
| £131,000 | Aug 1997 |
Comments from estate agents in Exeter city centre
Exeter property can tick many boxes on a buyer’s wish list. From a family home on the outskirts to amazing properties in Exeter city centre, the area has much to offer, all backed up by a strong jobs market.
Robin Middleton, manager of the Exeter branch of Bradleys Estate Agents, said:
The market is still very active, especially at the lower to middle end, although we have noticed a slight cooling with the mortgage rate increase and the cost of living. While prices can’t sustain their current trajectory, we are still very busy with properties which are priced realistically and are often still going to best and final offers.
Exeter attracts a broad spectrum of buyers, it’s a diverse city with its own microclimate, a strong buy-to-let market, major employers, a university and the Met Office is based here.
The effect of Covid-19 has led to a surge of interest in Exeter, Devon, according to Oliver Williams of Robert Williams Estate Agents in Exeter who said:
We are still seeing a very busy market in terms of demand and most properties are selling at or near the asking piece. There are fewer offers coming in significantly above the asking price, so in this sense, the market is starting to cool, and the consensus seems to be that this trend may continue into the autumn.
Exeter has long been a popular place to live but evermore so post Covid as many people have decided to relocate to Devon to find properties with ample outdoor space as well as proximity to the stunning coastlines and countryside. Exeter itself offers the best of both worlds, a vibrant city lifestyle as well as space and nature on the doorstep. There are also many businesses based in the area so there are plenty of work opportunities as well as good connections to other parts of the region.
Properties for sale in Exeter
If space features highly on your wish list, there are six bedrooms in this beautiful, terraced house on Polsloe Road. It’s within walking distance of the city centre, the university and several schools.
Inside, there are two reception rooms, a utility room, a bathroom and shower room, and a well-equipped kitchen. Character features include stained glass door panels. There are great views from this house which also has an enclosed garden. The guide price is £800,000 and it’s for sale with Francis Louis Residential.
The sale of Highcroft, Exeter, offers an opportunity to buy a detached house in a sought-after location on the edge of the university campus. In excellent order, this house has 2 reception rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It’s undergone recent improvements including the addition of a 2-storey glazed atrium and a loft conversion. There is also a double garage. This great family house is for sale with Bradley’s Estate Agents Exeter and has a guide price of £900,000.
If you are looking for a home with character features, this three-bedroom detached house on Newcourt Road, Topsham, Exeter, presents a rare opportunity. It’s priced at £750,000 with Fulford’s estate agents Exeter, and offers versatile living space.
The accommodation includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, study, three large double bedrooms, a balcony overlooking Exeter Golf & Country Club, and wrap-around private gardens.
Ideal for a first-time buyer or as an investment property type, this one-bedroom mid-terraced house on East Wonford Hill, Heavitree, Exeter, Devon, has a bathroom, living room and courtyard garden. It has double glazing and central heating. Underhill estate agents are asking for offers of £190,000.
This detached chalet bungalow on Mill Lane, Alfington, Ottery St Mary, has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and large gardens. Priced at £599,000 with agents Robert Williams of Exeter, it stands in a village location between Ottery St Mary and Honiton, with good transport links making it an ideal family home and convenient for commuters.
This beautifully presented four-bedroom detached house on Market Mews, is priced at £650,000 with East of Exe Ltd. It has an open plan kitchen diner, study, utility room, lounge, family bathroom, front garden and a south-facing rear garden and garage.
Cooksleys estate agents Exeter are selling this appealing two-bedroom end terrace house at Chantry Meadow, Alphington. It has a living/dining room, kitchen and bathroom, along with a private enclosed rear garden and parking space. It is priced at £265,000.
Exeter property knowledge
Have you recently bought or sold a house in Exeter?
If so, we’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the property market in Exeter city centre or the outskirts.
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