Keeping an eye on stamp prices
For those of us who still love sending a handwritten card or posting thoughtful little parcels, the price of a postage stamp matters more than you might think. It’s not just a penny here or there—it’s about planning ahead, stocking up and staying one step ahead of the price changes. So when will postage stamps go up again? It’s a question many of us ask, especially as costs have quietly crept up over the past few years.
The typical pattern of price increases
Royal Mail tends to review stamp prices once or twice a year, usually in spring and sometimes again towards the end of the summer. The most common time for a price increase is early April. This ties in with the new financial year, making it a sensible moment for adjustments. The changes often reflect shifts in inflation, operating costs and changes in customer habits—such as fewer letters being sent and more parcels flying around the country.
Why prices go up
There’s always a soft sigh when stamp prices increase, but the reasons are rarely frivolous. Rising fuel costs, maintenance of sorting centres and keeping up with staffing and delivery demands all play a part. Even things like weather disruptions and strikes can affect how mail is handled and budgeted for. So when Royal Mail bumps the price of a first or second class stamp, it’s usually trying to keep pace with these very real pressures.
What the latest price rise looked like
The most recent increase was on 2 April 2024. First class stamps rose to £1.35 and second class stamps climbed to 85p. It may seem a little steep, but the change also came with reassurances about maintaining delivery standards and investing in better parcel handling—something that has become more and more important as online shopping continues to grow.
Preparing for future changes
If you use stamps regularly, one of the best tips is to buy non-denominated ones marked “1st” or “2nd”. These keep their value even after a price rise. Stocking up a little before the next announced increase can save you money in the long run. Keeping a small stash at home means you're always ready for birthdays, thank-you notes or unexpected parcels.
Will stamps go up again this year?
There hasn’t been a second rise announced for 2025 just yet, but many expect there could be another small adjustment later in the year—possibly in late summer or early autumn. If you like to be prepared, it’s worth keeping an eye on Royal Mail announcements or popping into your local post office now and then for the latest.
Summary
Postage stamps have a quiet rhythm of their own, gently rising in cost as the world around them shifts. By understanding when and why these changes happen, you can stay ahead of the curve and keep your postage purse strings a little tighter. Whether it’s April or later in the year, being prepared for stamp price increases means you’re never caught out when it’s time to send something lovely through the letterbox.