đź“ŤThe Reading Monthly Edit - OCTOBER 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
It’s not every day that a local independent estate agent gets featured in a national publication (for the right reasons) — but that’s exactly what’s just happened! I’m proud to share that I was recently featured in The Guardian’s “Ask the Expert” column, offering insights and advice on the UK property market.
Kiel Holder - Your Trusted Independent Estate Agent in Reading Recognised Nationally by The Guardian
It’s not every day that a local independent estate agent gets featured in a national publication (for the right reasons) — but that’s exactly what’s just happened! I’m proud to share that I was recently featured in The Guardian’s “Ask the Expert” column, offering insights and advice on the UK property market.
This recognition is a huge personal milestone and a testament to the hard work, transparency, and expertise that I bring to every client across Reading, RG1, RG2, RG30 and RG31. To be featured alongside national experts shows that the level of service and knowledge I provide locally truly stands out on a larger stage.
What This Means for Reading Homeowners and Buyers
When you’re choosing an estate agent in Reading, you want someone who:
- Understands the local Reading market inside out
- Has been recognised nationally for their expertise
- Cares about achieving the best result for your home or move
- Combines personal service with professional insight
- Industry leading innovation and marketing
That’s exactly what I offer. As an independent estate agent in Reading, I handle everything personally — from valuations and marketing to negotiations and completion — ensuring you receive a level of care that large corporate agencies can’t match.
Why Work With Kiel Holder?
Working with an independent agent means working directly with the person who cares most about your result. There’s no head office to please, no rigid scripts to follow — just honest, professional advice and marketing that’s tailored specifically to your home and your goals.
Whether you’re thinking of selling your Reading home, buying your first property, or simply want to stay up to date with property trends and market insights, I’m here to help.
Stay Connected: Follow for Reading Property Updates
I regularly share market updates, new listings, home tips and behind-the-scenes insights from life as a local estate agent.
👉🏾 Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn for all things property in Reading — from the latest listings to advice that genuinely helps buyers and sellers make smarter decisions.
Final Thoughts
Being featured in The Guardian was a proud moment — but the real reward is using that platform to help even more homeowners and buyers across Reading move forward with confidence.
If you’re thinking about selling, moving or just want an honest chat about the current market, I’d love to hear from you.
📞 Get in touch today or message me on social media — Kiel Holder, your property expert Estate Agent in Reading.
🏡 Reading Property Market Update – October 2025
As we move deeper into autumn, the Reading property market continues to show a mix of motivation and realism. The September stats paint a clear picture of where we are right now — and what sellers need to do to stand out.
📊 The Numbers – Reading (RG1, RG2, RG30 & RG31)
• New listings: 358
• Sold: 225
• Exchanged: 100
• Withdrawn: 77
• Fallen through: 61
• Reduced in price: 258
• Average time to sell: 56.46 days
That means almost three quarters of sellers haven’t yet moved, and over 70% of homes have needed a price reduction or haven’t sold at all. It’s a competitive, price-sensitive market — but not a bad one. The homes that are priced correctly and marketed properly are still moving fast.
💷 The Budget’s Impact
The recent budget did little to shake up the housing market — no stamp duty changes, but there’s more focus on cost-of-living support and mortgage stability. With rates steadying and inflation easing, buyer confidence is creeping back, particularly for well-presented homes that feel “move-in ready”.
⏰ Why Selling Now Still Makes Sense
Many sellers are waiting for spring, but the reality is: buyers are still out there — and motivated. People who are looking now are serious, often aiming to complete before Christmas or early in the new year. Listing now means less competition, more visibility, and a smoother path to completion while others hesitate.
🎯 Pricing & Positioning – The Make or Break
Overpricing is the number one reason homes sit on the market. In Reading last month, 258 homes had to reduce their price — a clear sign that starting too high leads to a slower, more stressful sale.
Correct pricing from day one doesn’t mean underselling; it means strategically positioning your home to attract more eyes, more clicks, and more offers.
✨ Standing Out from the Crowd
In today’s market, presentation is everything. Small touches make a big difference — from professional staging to twilight photography, which has been proven to increase click-through rates by up to 60% on property portals. The goal is simple: make buyers stop scrolling and start enquiring.
đź’ˇ How Avocado Property Are Outperforming the Market
Across Reading, the average time to sell sits at 56 days. At Avocado Property, we’re averaging 26 days.
In September, we listed 85 homes and sold 86, up 30% on Q2 and 40% year-on-year.
Our trademarked Blueprint for Selling™ isn’t about luck — it’s about data-driven strategy, smart marketing, and personalised advice. It’s the difference between being a “reduced” listing lost in the crowd and being a seller celebrating an offer before Christmas.
If you’re planning to move soon, now is the time to review your marketing, pricing and presentation strategy. The homes that are smartly priced and beautifully presented are the ones that are selling fastest — and for the best 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)
Armistice Services
- Services will be held at the University of Reading
- TUE 11th NOV, 10.45am start
- FREE
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
Reading Comic Con
- Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Lower Earley, RG6 4GD
- 30th NOV, 10am
- *From ÂŁ5
Exterior/Structural Maintenance
- Service boiler and heating: Book a Gas Safe engineer for an annual boiler service to ensure efficiency and safety before winter. Bleed radiators to improve heat circulation.
- Check gutters and drains: Clear leaves and debris from gutters, downpipes, and drains to prevent blockages. Flush them with water to ensure they are clear.
- Inspect roof and chimney: Look for loose or missing roof tiles and check flashing. Have a professional chimney sweep remove soot and creosote.
Interior Maintenance
- Test alarms: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly.
- Check for damp: Look for signs of damp like mould, peeling paint, or musty smells, particularly in bathrooms and around windows.
- Drafts: Check for and seal any gaps around doors, windows, and in the loft space to reduce heat loss. Loft and Damp:
- Check the attic: for signs of damp or leaks.
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
Sellers Comments-
"Welcome to Brunswick Street, my little hidden oasis in the heart of Reading.
From the moment I walked through the gates I knew that I could create a wonderful, peaceful and spacious home, a haven from the hustle and bustle. As a professional musician I have spent a lot of time on the road, travelling to perform, so what I wanted is somewhere to return to, close the door and retreat in a restful environment where I can recharge amongst comfort and nature, surrounded by art, texture and colour!
I took time planning to return the property, which had been divided into two flats, to a single dwelling. The renovation took place in 2020 and early 2021 and included a complete re-wire of the property, as well as the inclusion of a new staircase and opening up the kitchen, dining room. Everything was re-configured internally to suit the way I wanted to live, bringing a feeling of more space and light inside. The garden has been kept low-maintenance and is ideal for entertaining. It’s a sunny and secluded spot with lovely dappled light coming through the neighbouring trees. Sitting upstairs in my landing library is my favourite spot - perfect for reading with a coffee. What was once a Victorian barn or workshop for one of the businesses on the street is now a modern home. It’s a one-of-a-kind hidden gem!"
Kiel's Comments-
Certainly the most daring home I have seen for quite some time. One that unequivocally exceeds expectations (and then some) in every department offering a glimpse of the living lifestyle you didn't know you needed. You simply won't find another home quite like this and for the right buyer, you won't want to for years to come! Simply spectacular!
When I tell you I had to film over two days because I didn't want to miss an ounce of the style, believe me, this home commanded my full attention and it will certainly grab yours. For more content featuring this one-of-a-kind lifestyle opportunity close to Reading town centre, be sure to check out and follow my socials.
The KLIC Investor Information - Net Yield 7.65%
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
7.65% Expected Net Yield
Here's something from Pete & Lydia..
We started making sandwiches for people in the summer of 2012. Since then we have been gradually growing into one of Reading’s most popular lunch venues. We only use the best ingredients, buy local, cook in small batches and make everything in-house, well almost! This means our food is always fresh, good quality and is full of homemade goodness.
We have a very small team of skilled workers so we can get to know our customers and look after them really well.
Thanks for taking an interest. It means a lot to us. Without people like you supporting smaller independent businesses like us, we wouldn’t be able to carry on doing this job. And we love it. So, thanks!
Pete and Lydia xx
