14/10/2026
Thinking of putting your house on the market? Getting the asking price right is essential to attracting buyers.
It was a slower summer for the housing market, with affordability pressures affecting buyer confidence. According to Zoopla, the number of sales agreed fell by 9% annually in July, likely due to higher mortgage rates adding around £125 to monthly repayments for the typical buyer.
Buyers currently have more choice, with the number of available homes increasing in eight out of 11 regions compared with last year. This means sellers need to price competitively, as buyers have more negotiating power.
In the current market, being overly ambitious with your asking price can be risky. It is important to base your price on recent sold prices, rather than advertised asking prices.
While you can reduce the price later, this may mean your home takes longer to sell. Research from Savills shows that sellers who price correctly from the start can achieve an agreed sale within 28 days. However, one price cut could mean waiting over three months for an offer, while two price reductions could extend this to nearly five and a half months.
Local market conditions also matter. While 76% of local markets recorded a fall in agreed sales between May and July, some areas saw stable or increasing activity. This is why it is worth speaking to local estate agents for advice on a realistic price for your property type and area.
If you are looking to move home this autumn, get in touch. We can help you understand what you can reasonably afford, so you can enter your property search in the best possible position.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Sources:
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/is-now-a-good-time-to-sell-your-house-heres-what-really-matters-in-2026/
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/house-price-index/
https://www.ft.com/content/24a8adf9-8103-44b3-92e8-350ef897dc2a?syn-25a6b1a6=1
Photo by Daniil Korbut on Unsplash