Buyer interest is lifting – but property still needs to stand out
After a quieter and more challenging summer, there are early signs that more buyers are beginning to look again as we approach the autumn market.
Zoopla reports that searches for homes are now 7% higher than a year ago – the strongest annual increase for 12 months. For the first time since August 2025, searches are up across every region of the UK. (Zoopla)
That is encouraging, but it does not mean every property will suddenly receive more viewings. Buyers remain cautious, affordability is stretched and they have plenty of homes from which to choose.
More buyers – but also more competition
There are currently 5% more homes for sale than this time last year, while Rightmove reports that the number of properties available is at a 12-year high for this point in the year. (Zoopla)
This gives buyers greater choice and more opportunity to compare:
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Price
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Presentation
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Location
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Running costs
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Condition
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How long a property has been on the market
In practical terms, a home cannot simply be available. It needs to feel like one of the best options at its price.
Pricing still matters most
Rightmove’s August figures show that the average asking price of a newly listed property fell by 2% during the month, reflecting the increased competition for buyers.
Importantly, nearly three-quarters of the homes that have sold so far this year achieved a buyer without first needing an asking-price reduction. This reinforces how important it is to launch at a sensible and well-supported price from the outset. (Property news)
A higher asking price may feel like leaving room to negotiate, but if it prevents buyers from viewing in the first place, it can work against the seller. The strongest opportunity to capture attention is usually when a property first comes to the market.
What we are seeing locally
Across our local market, agreed sales are still happening, but buyers are taking longer to make decisions and are comparing properties very carefully.
Some correctly positioned homes are attracting early viewings and offers. Others are receiving good levels of online interest without that translating into physical viewings.
This does not necessarily mean the marketing is failing. It often means buyers can see the property but do not yet feel sufficiently compelled by the overall proposition – usually the combination of price, presentation and perceived value – to take the next step.
Propertymark’s latest report reflects this more cautious national picture, recording an average of just 2.1 viewings per available property during June. (Propertymark)
Our advice this month
For anyone considering selling this autumn, now is the time to prepare properly rather than rushing to launch.
Good photography, thoughtful presentation, accurate pricing and a clear marketing strategy will all matter. The aim should be to create the strongest possible impact from day one.
For sellers already on the market, September is a useful time to review:
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Are we competing well against newly listed properties?
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Does the asking price still reflect current buyer behaviour?
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Are the photographs and presentation creating enough impact?
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Is online interest turning into viewings?
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Have we responded quickly enough to the feedback the market is giving us?
Sometimes the right recommendation will be to refresh the presentation or increase the marketing activity. At other times, an adjustment to the asking price may be needed to reach a different group of buyers.
The key message
The market is showing some welcome signs of renewed buyer interest, but it remains competitive and price-sensitive.
September may create a fresh opportunity, but success will depend on presenting each property as one of the most compelling choices available.
This is not a market for panic – but neither is it a market for standing still.
You can be on the market. Or you can be in the market.
If you’d like to discuss your own move, whether you’re already on the market or simply considering your next steps, please get in touch with the Sawdye & Harris team. We will give you clear, evidence-led advice based on what buyers are doing now, we’re always happy to help.