đź“ŤThe (Festive) Reading Monthly Edit - DECEMBER 2025
🗣️ A NEW monthly drop just for you, covering all things Reading. From community to events, places to check out and Reading property market updates and advice. Kiel Holder - Proud to be your estate agent in Reading, as featured in The Guardian, Ask the Expert
Over 2,000 Homes Sold: What That Means for You When You Choose Avocado Property
Avocado Property has completed over 2,000 home sales in five years, showing that our local, personal approach delivers real results. With one dedicated agent, strong marketing support, and a 73.74% exchange rate versus the 55.42% national average, we’re proving there’s a better way to move home.
As of 30th October 2025, Avocado Property has officially completed more than 2,000 home sales since launching just five years ago.
But this isn’t just a number we’re proud of, it’s a sign of trust, consistency and results for every seller and buyer who chooses to work with us.
If you’re thinking about moving, here’s what those 2,000 completions say about the experience you can expect with avocado property and why our model is built entirely around you.
What Makes Avocado Different?
When you choose avocado, you don’t get passed around between departments. You get one dedicated local expert, your own personal estate agent, backed by an award-winning marketing and support team at HQ.
Each of our agents is:
• Locally based, with deep hyper local knowledge of your area
• Fully self-employed, so they’re focused on your move, not targets
• Hands-on from start to finish, whether you’re selling, buying, or both
We believe in relationships, not transactions and that’s what’s helped us deliver over 2,000 successful moves since 2020.
Why That Number Matters
âś… It means our process works
You don’t reach 2,000 completions in 5 years without doing something right. It shows that our personal approach, local agents with real support, gets results. People get moved!
✅ It means you’re in safe hands
Behind every sale is a seller who trusted us and a buyer who felt supported. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, we know how to guide you through it.
✅ It means we’re consistent
Our exchange rate for January 1st - November 4th 2025 sits at 73.74% against the national average of 55.42% (data sourced by Twenty EA.)
In other words, if you agree to work with an avocado agent, there’s a far better chance of your move actually happening..
What the 2025 Autumn Budget means for homeowners and buyers in Reading — and the steps to get ready to win in 2026
The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget (delivered on 26 November 2025) didn’t overturn the housing market overnight — but it does change the shape of incentives for owners, buyers and landlords over the coming years. Locally in Reading — where demand from families for 3–4 bedroom homes remains strong thanks to good schools and rail links into London — the Budget reinforces one truth: preparation pays. Below I break down the headlines that matter to you, explain the likely impact for Reading buyers and sellers, and give a clear, positive action plan so you’ll be taken seriously in the new year.
Headlines that matter (quick summary)
• The Government framed this Budget around fiscal stability and investment in public services; there were no immediate wide-ranging stamp-duty giveaways for homebuyers. 
• Taxation for people receiving property income (landlords) was adjusted in ways that make holding buy-to-lets relatively less attractive over time — with measures that increase property-income tax rates (phased from April 2027) and changes to reliefs. This could nudge some private landlords to reconsider holdings. 
• The Budget included measures and commentary aimed at supporting housebuilding and longer-term supply, but the effects will be gradual rather than immediate. 
• Mortgage markets are already reacting: lenders have been trimming some deals and markets are pricing in possible Bank of England rate cuts, improving options for remortgaging or fixed deals in the months ahead — though commentators still warn mortgage rates may remain higher on average for some years. 
(Those five points are the core load-bearing facts I’ll refer to below; sources cited above.)
What this means for homeowners in Reading
1. No immediate windfall, but stability helps confidence. The Budget’s focus on fiscal stability reduces the chance of abrupt policy shocks that can spook buyers and sellers — that’s generally good for market confidence in market towns like Reading. 
2. Higher costs for some buy-to-let owners may feed through to rents. If landlords trim portfolios or face higher effective tax on rental income, supply could tighten — which can support rental levels locally. If you’re a homeowner thinking of letting out a property, review your cashflow and speak to an accountant about the staged tax changes. 
3. Renewed focus on energy and investment in housing supply may increase buyer interest in well-presented, efficient homes. Buyers increasingly look for EPC ratings and lower running costs; make improvements now and you’ll stand out. 
What this means for buyers (first-time buyers, families moving to Reading)
1. Stamp duty mostly unchanged for now — plan for the existing costs. There was talk in the run-up to the Budget of reform ideas, but nothing immediate replaced the existing framework — so include stamp duty in your move-budget unless you’ve been told otherwise by your solicitor. 
2. Mortgage markets are improving but keep realistic expectations. Lenders have been cutting some fixed rates as swap rates have eased — good news for buyers seeking competitive deals — but the Office for Budget Responsibility and mortgage commentators urge caution about assuming ultra-low rates for the long term. Getting mortgage-in-principle now gives you credibility when you make offers. 
3. Competition remains for well-priced, well-presented family homes in Reading. If you’re buying to settle a family (schools, commute to London), be prepared to act quickly and have paperwork ready — a strong mortgage in principle, proof of deposit, and a purchaser solicitor on standby help your offer look serious.
What sellers in Reading should do now to stand out
The Budget didn’t create chaos — so presentation and pricing will still win sales. Practical, high-impact steps:
1. Price realistically for your neighbourhood. Buyers are cautious; a clear, data-backed price attracts more viewings and faster offers.
2. Invest in presentation that converts online clicks into viewings. Professional photos (seasonal shots or tasteful winter staging), floorplans, and a short video tour increase clicks on portals — you’ve already seen how seasonal imagery lifts engagement; lean into that.
3. Improve perceived value cheaply: a fresh coat of paint, declutter, boost kerb appeal and sort the boiler/EPC paperwork. Energy-efficient homes appeal to buyers worried about future running costs. 
4. Be conveyancing-ready: have your legal pack, title documents and EPC ready so you can move quickly when you accept an offer. Delays cost sales.
A positive, practical checklist for Q1 2026 (buyers & sellers)
For buyers
• Obtain a mortgage-in-principle and keep documents ready (ID, payslips, bank statements).
• Speak to a local mortgage broker familiar with Berkshire/Reading lenders.
• Decide must-haves vs nice-to-haves (schools, commute time, garden size).
• Consider whether short-term fixed rates or longer deals suit your family plans.
For sellers
• Commission professional photography and a short video tour (use seasonal imagery that drives portal clicks).
• Get an EPC if you don’t have a recent one and fix basic issues (boiler service, double glazing seals).
• Choose an agent who’ll market to family buyers and explain how you’ll target buyers from both Reading and the wider Thames Valley.
• Consider a small staging budget — it often increases sale price and speeds completion.
For landlords and investors
• Model the impact of the announced tax changes on net yield and speak to an accountant — it may be a time to refinance, sell marginal units, or invest in making properties more energy efficient to justify rents. 
Final note — why now matters, and why staying ready wins
Budgets set direction; markets move on confidence and clarity. The 2025 Autumn Budget gives a clearer fiscal backdrop and nudges the market rather than rocking it. That’s good news for Reading buyers and sellers who act concretely: if you have your finance lined up, your home prepared, and your agent or solicitor ready, you’ll be the buyer or seller people take seriously. In a market that rewards preparedness, those steps — clean paperwork, professional marketing, realistic pricing and attention to EPC/energy — will not only help you transact faster but often at a better price.
Rhymetime at Battle Library
Battle Library, 420 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1EE
Every Friday 10 - 10.30am and 11 - 11.30am
FREE sessions for children 0-5 and parents/careers
Winter Wonderland
Hills Meadow, Reading
9th NOV 2025 - 5th JAN 2026
FREE ENTRY (but expect to pay on visit)
Illuminate Reading
Forbury Gardens, The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ
From 15th NOV, from 4pm - Check website for details
*FROM ÂŁ8.95 per Child, ÂŁ12.95 per Adult + Fees
Jane Austen's School event
Reading Abbey Gateway
Every 30 minutes from 10am to 3pm
General Admission ÂŁ2.50 per person
Bleed radiators to improve efficiency
A simple task but one you should do before the winter months is maintaining your radiators around the home. You should bleed your radiators once a year to ensure there’s no trapped air inside. Trapped air causes poor circulation of hot water inside, so only parts of your radiator will warm up, meaning your central heating isn’t working effectively and it takes much longer to feel the heat." Subsequently, you could end up turning up the thermostat or running your central heating longer — both of which will increase energy costs.
Safety & Security
Check your outside lighting and security. With shorter days, check your security lights are working and that any locks on sheds and garages are secure.
To get the earliest access and see homes like this first, and before anyone else, make sure you're following my socials;
Instagram - @kielholder_avocadoreading
Facebook - @​Kiel Holder - Avocado Property Reading
Key Features
- Modern two-bedroom top floor apartment built circa 2020
- Walking distance to Reading Station and the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail)
- Private balcony and dual-aspect windows flooding the space with light
- Open-plan living area ideal for modern lifestyles
- Built-in appliances, electric hob and gas central heating
- Allocated parking within a privately gated development
- Move-in ready and finished to a high standard by current owners
- Easy access to Reading town centre and M4 via the IDR
Sellers View-
"We’ve loved living at Weldale Street for the past eight years — it’s been a fantastic home in every way. The location couldn’t be better: just a five-minute walk to Reading Station in one direction and the town centre in the other, so everything you need is right on your doorstep.
The flat itself is finished to a high standard, with quality appliances and fittings throughout. The open-plan living area leads out to a lovely balcony, which gets great light and is ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
Despite being so central, it’s incredibly quiet inside — you don’t hear anything from neighbouring apartments. There’s also a secure, gated car park with your own allocated space, which has been a real bonus.
It’s a friendly, well-kept building with great neighbours and a real sense of community. Weldale Street has been the perfect base for us, and we’re sure the next owners will enjoy it just as much."
Kiel's View-
Welcome to Weldale Street, Reading (RG1) — a stunning two-bedroom top floor apartment offering modern comfort, secure parking and an unbeatable town centre location. Built circa 2018, this home provides a rare combination of contemporary design, natural light, and excellent connectivity.
The property is ready to move straight into and has been finished to a high standard by the current owners. The spacious open-plan living area creates the perfect environment for both relaxing and entertaining, complemented by a sleek modern kitchen with built-in appliances, gas hob, and generous storage.
Large dual-aspect windows fill the apartment with natural light throughout the day, while the private balcony provides a peaceful spot to enjoy your morning coffee or evening unwind. Both bedrooms are well-sized, and the home benefits from gas central heating and double glazing throughout.
The property also includes allocated parking within a gated section of the development, as well as visitor bays, offering both convenience and peace of mind in a secure, private setting.
This is an ideal home for first-time buyers, professionals, or investors seeking a stylish and low-maintenance apartment within easy reach of everything Reading has to offer.
Area View-
Weldale Street sits in a prime central Reading location, ideally positioned for commuters and town-centre living. Reading Station is just 0.6 miles away (around 10 minutes’ walk), offering fast trains to London Paddington in around 25 minutes and direct Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) services through to Bond Street, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf.
Reading town centre is moments away, home to The Oracle Shopping Centre, Broad Street Mall, and the Riverside dining complex with a wide range of restaurants and cafés. Everyday conveniences such as supermarkets, gyms, and local shops are all nearby.
For drivers, the M4 (Junction 11) is easily accessible via the IDR, providing straightforward routes to London, Heathrow Airport, and Newbury. The apartment is also well placed for major employment hubs including Green Park Business Park and Thames Valley Park.
Nearby green spaces such as Prospect Park, Forbury Gardens, and the River Thames towpath offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, all just a short stroll from the apartment.
A fantastic combination of contemporary design, prime location, and everyday convenience — ideal for modern town-centre living in Reading.
The KLIC - Kiel's Landlord Investment Club-
ÂŁ1,650pcm rental potential
ÂŁ2,500pa Service Charge
ÂŁ250pa Ground Rent
6.09% Net Yield
Kiel Holder, Proud to be your estate agent in Reading.
*Some images have been digitally enhanced for presentation.
The KLIC Investor Information - Net Yield 8.45%
Kiel's Comments-
This beautifully refurbished one-bedroom upper-ground floor apartment on Mason Street is offered to the market with no onward chain and is ready to move straight into. Thoughtfully finished to a high standard by the current owner, the property combines style, practicality and value in a highly convenient location close to Reading town centre.
Every detail has been considered — from USB sockets and a heated towel rail to quality fittings throughout. The modern kitchen and bathroom are complemented by a generous storage cupboard, complete with plumbing ready for a washing machine and space for additional household items.
The open-plan layout creates a bright, comfortable living space, making it an ideal first home for buyers with a restricted budget or a low-risk investment opportunity for landlords seeking a strong rental location.
With its turn-key finish, modern touches and easy access to central Reading, this apartment offers a superb balance of convenience and comfort.
Area view-
Mason Street enjoys a quiet yet central position, just 0.7 miles (approximately a 12-minute walk) from Reading town centre and its wide range of amenities, shopping and nightlife. Reading train station is around 0.9 miles away, providing direct services to London Paddington in under 25 minutes, as well as Elizabeth Line connections to the West End and Canary Wharf.
The nearby Oracle Shopping Centre and Broad Street Mall offer a wide choice of shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure options, while Forbury Gardens and the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath are perfect for relaxing walks and outdoor space.
For commuters, the property provides straightforward access to the A33 and M4 (Junction 11), as well as local bus routes serving the wider Reading area.
With excellent transport links, local amenities and a strong community feel, Mason Street offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy modern, low-maintenance living within walking distance of everything Reading has to offer.
The KLIC - Kiel's Landlord Investment Club-
ÂŁ1,150pcm Expected Rental
ÂŁ175pa Service Charge
ÂŁ105pa Ground Rent
ÂŁ125pa Building Insurance
Share of Freehold
8.45% Expected Net Yield
The Street Bakeshop
An artisan bakery, coffee shop, a place to be.
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At The Street Bakeshop, we truly strive for excellence. We craft sourdough loaves, perfect soft rolls and croissants, and put magic into cakes.
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We want our bakery to be a place where you discover and enjoy the beauty of simple deliciousness, time and time again.
We offer a casual coffee shop environment with inside and outside undercover seating.
Meet Tim
Tim Goodwin is the one who dreamt up The Street Bakeshop.
For him, nothing short of perfect is good enough when it comes to food.
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When his catering business Fresch outgrew its premises, Tim spotted the old Bakehouse: a place that could bring together his passion for artisan baking and deliciously honest food.
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He opened The Street Bakeshop as a Bakery and Coffee Shop in August 2020 with a small team of bakers and a small team working front of house. Since then, The Street Bakeshop has not stopped growing and now makes for a busy and buzzing environment all week round.
Award Winning
The Bakeshop opened its doors in August 2020 and after winning the BIA Baker of the Year 2021, we have been awarded BIA Craft Bakery Business of the Year 2022 and BIA Team of the Year 2022. Tim then went on to win Baker of the Year a second time in 2023, something the industry has not seen before.
