Welcome to our September newsletter

Welcome to our September newsletter




Labour hosebuilding targets 2024

 



The UK property market has a lot going for it thanks to a year in which mortgage rates finally dropped and confidence replaced uncertainty. This encouraged buyer demand, and the number of sales agreed increased by 25% on the previous year.* If you're considering relocating in 2025, there are numerous compelling reasons to get started. Here are 10 reasons to buy in 2025. 

  

Fair pricing  

House prices did not skyrocket in 2024, rising by an average of 1% compared with 2023.* This means you will not pay through the nose and get the house you want at a fair price, and the earlier you start, the better.  

  

Achieve a good selling price  

You will also get a good price for your current home, which will have likely enjoyed excellent increases in value over the years. Strong levels of demand mean you will not be left waiting around for a buyer.  

  

Good mortgage deals  

Mortgage rates improved during 2024, and the good news is this is set to continue in 2025. Now that we are getting closer to a settling point and have not fallen to the previous unsustainably low levels, the market sentiment is one of ‘move now. 

  

  

Move up  

If you are moving up or selling up, buying is always worth considering when the market is on the up. The conditions for moving up the ladder are ideal, creating a real window of opportunity in 2025. 

  

Fabulous choice  

Fabulous properties are appearing in every county and almost on every street, increasing your chances of finding what you want. This is boosted further with some second homeowners and landlords selling up.  

  

No elections  

Unless something rather unpredictable occurs, 2025 does not have to contend with the uncertainty that a general election can bring. This means you can focus on any tax or buying advantages the government offers.  

  

Good timing  

Making an early start has numerous benefits. Many sellers are already placing their homes on the market in December in anticipation of the Boxing Day Boom and the January rush, not forgetting the early build up to the spring market.  

  

Start your future  

With future growth levels appearing to be favourable, investing in your future now could be a good move. Investing in property can help secure your future while providing the perfect setting to enjoy so many magical moments. 

  

Less stress more certainty  

More certainty means less stress. Moving home is a big decision, but the right guidance prevents niggling worries from becoming big concerns. You will have many questions, and the answer to all of them is to use good property professionals. 

  

It’s easier  

Evolving technology that connects you to the right homes that allows virtual viewings to virtually all you will ever need during your move, makes the buying process easier. Agents in 2025 will combine tech with local expertise to give you better service. 

  

Buying or booking a valuation? Contact us for guidance  

  

October Zoopla HPI* 



How to minimise wear and tear in your rental property without overspending

 

Keeping a rental property in good condition is essential for maintaining its value and attracting quality tenants. However, regular use naturally leads to wear and tear, and constant repairs or replacements can become costly. For landlords, the key is to minimise damage while keeping expenses under control. Here are some practical and cost-effective ways to reduce wear and tear in your rental property without overspending. 

 

Choose durable materials and finishes 

Investing in high-quality, durable materials for flooring, walls, and fixtures can reduce the need for frequent replacements. Hard-wearing laminate or vinyl flooring is a cost-effective alternative to carpets, as it is easier to clean and less prone to damage. Walls painted in washable, scuff-resistant paint allow for easy maintenance, reducing the need for frequent repainting. Opting for sturdy, low-maintenance kitchen units and bathroom fittings also helps minimise wear over time. 

 

Set clear expectations with tenants 

A well-informed tenant is more likely to take care of the property. Providing a clear tenancy agreement that outlines maintenance responsibilities, such as keeping carpets clean and reporting issues promptly, encourages tenants to look after their home. A simple guide on how to care for appliances, heating systems, and ventilation can also prevent unnecessary damage caused by misuse. 

 

Use protective measures in high-traffic areas 

Simple, affordable additions can significantly reduce wear in areas that experience the most use. Doormats at entrances help prevent dirt and grit from damaging flooring, while fitted furniture pads protect wooden or tiled floors from scratches. Installing door stoppers and kick plates can prevent damage to walls and skirting boards, reducing the need for repainting and repairs. 

 

Carry out regular inspections and maintenance 

Regular inspections allow landlords to catch small issues before they become expensive problems. Spotting early signs of damp, leaks, or damage gives you the chance to address them before they lead to costly repairs. A scheduled maintenance check every few months helps keep the property in good condition and reassures tenants that issues will be dealt with promptly. 

 

Provide quality fixtures and fittings 

While it may be tempting to furnish a rental property with budget-friendly items, poor-quality fixtures can break easily and require frequent replacement. Investing in sturdy door handles, strong curtain poles, and reliable kitchen appliances can save money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs. Choosing neutral, timeless designs also helps prevent the need for frequent updates due to changing trends. 

 

Encourage responsible tenant behaviour 

Encouraging tenants to report maintenance issues as soon as they arise can prevent minor problems from turning into expensive repairs. Providing a simple process for reporting issues and responding quickly to repair requests builds a positive relationship with tenants and helps keep the property well-maintained. Offering incentives for long-term tenants who take good care of the property, such as minor upgrades or professional cleaning, can also be beneficial. 

 

Limit excessive wear with smart furnishing choices 

For furnished rentals, choosing stain-resistant fabrics for sofas and chairs, and using wipeable surfaces for dining tables and worktops, can help keep furniture in good condition for longer. If you provide a washing machine, consider installing a filter to prevent damage from limescale and debris. Simple choices like these can significantly extend the lifespan of furnishings without increasing costs. 

 

Use a professional end-of-tenancy clean 

At the end of each tenancy, having the property professionally cleaned can help prevent long-term damage. Deep cleaning carpets, appliances, and bathrooms keeps them in good condition and makes it easier for new tenants to maintain the property. Some landlords include professional cleaning as a requirement in the tenancy agreement, ensuring the property is returned in good condition. 

 

Protect your investment cost-effectively 

Reducing wear and tear does not have to be expensive. By choosing durable materials, setting clear expectations, and maintaining the property proactively, landlords can keep their rental homes in excellent condition without overspending. A well-maintained property attracts responsible tenants, reduces repair costs, and helps ensure a long-term, profitable investment.  

 

Contact us today for practical solutions to protect your property investment 

 

 



Tips to make your offer more attractive to sellers without overpaying

 

In today’s competitive property market, securing the home you want requires more than just making a high offer. Sellers consider multiple factors when choosing a buyer, and a well-structured, appealing offer can give you the edge without stretching your budget too far. Here are some key strategies to make your offer stand out while ensuring you pay a fair price. 

 

Get your finances in order 

Sellers prefer buyers who can move quickly and with confidence. Having a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) shows that you are financially prepared and serious about buying. If you are a cash buyer, making this clear in your offer strengthens your position, as sellers often favour buyers who do not rely on mortgage approval. 

 

Be flexible with your timeline 

A seller’s ideal buyer is someone who fits their moving plans. If they need a quick sale, being ready to proceed without delays can put you ahead of the competition. On the other hand, if they need extra time to find a new home, offering flexibility on move-in dates could work in your favour. Asking the seller about their preferred timeline and accommodating their needs can make your offer more appealing. 

 

Keep your offer clean and simple 

Avoid adding unnecessary conditions that could slow down the process. Sellers may be put off by offers that are dependent on selling another property or subject to extensive surveys and delays. A straightforward offer with fewer contingencies reassures the seller that the sale is less likely to fall through. 

 

Establish a good relationship with the seller 

Property transactions are not purely financial. Sometimes sellers favour buyers they feel a connection with. Expressing why you love the property and how you plan to care for it can create goodwill. This is especially effective when sellers have an emotional attachment to their home. 

Work with a reliable estate agent 

A well-regarded estate agent can present your offer in the best light and highlight your strengths as a buyer. If you are working with a trusted agent, they can communicate your seriousness and financial readiness to the seller’s agent, giving you a competitive edge. 

 

Show you are ready for a smooth transaction 

Being prepared with all necessary documents, such as proof of funds and solicitor details, demonstrates that you are serious and ready to move forward. Sellers and agents appreciate buyers who are organised and can proceed without unnecessary delays. 

 

Win the offer without overpaying 

Securing a property does not always mean offering the highest price. A well-prepared, flexible, and confident approach can make your offer more attractive without exceeding your budget. By presenting yourself as a strong, reliable buyer, you increase your chances of getting the home you want without paying over the odds. 

 

Need expert advice on making a winning offer? Contact us Bond Oxborough Phillips for guidance on navigating the buying process successfully 

 



The prediction problem

Every December, property predictions arrive promising certainty about next year's market. Buyers will flood back. Interest rates will stabilise. Then reality happens, shaped by factors nobody predicted, leaving sellers who believed the forecasts scrambling to adjust strategy mid-sale.

Here's what matters more than predictions: understanding which market forces will actually affect your sale, regardless of whether prices rise or fall. Successful 2026 sales won't come from guessing market direction - they'll come from positioning your property correctly for the market that exists.

The affordability reality reshaping buyer behaviour

Mortgage rates have fundamentally changed what buyers can afford. This shift isn’t temporary noise - it’s a permanent recalibration. Buyers who stretched their budgets in 2021 cannot replicate those purchases in 2026 without major income or deposit increases.

For sellers, this means pricing based on 2021-era affordability will leave properties unsold. The market isn’t returning to previous borrowing levels. Pricing must reflect what today’s buyers can realistically secure.

The location preferences that changed permanently

Remote work has reshaped buyer priorities. Commute proximity no longer commands the premiums it once did. Properties that thrive in 2026 will offer lifestyle value: garden space, home office potential, usable layouts, and meaningful local amenities.

If your primary selling point is a quick commute, that’s a weaker position than it was five years ago. Buyers now pay for daily living quality, not theoretical return-to-office convenience.

The first-time buyer market that's actually growing

Higher interest rates haven’t eliminated first-time buyers - they’ve shifted their focus. These buyers now target smaller homes, lower price brackets, and emerging outer areas. They have deposits saved, mortgage approvals ready, and realistic expectations.

For sellers of starter homes, 2026 offers strong opportunity. With fewer investors competing, first-time buyers face less pressure and are ready to move quickly when a property is priced correctly.

The energy efficiency factor becoming non-negotiable

EPC ratings now impact mortgage options and running costs directly. Buyers factor energy bills into affordability. Lenders increasingly consider efficiency in lending decisions.

Poor EPC ratings don’t just reduce offers - they restrict the buyer pool. Improving efficiency before listing is no longer optional; it’s essential for saleability.

The chain-free advantage that's worth real money

In uncertain markets, certainty becomes a premium feature. Chain-free sellers attract more buyers, achieve stronger offers, and complete faster. Whether through temporary accommodation or buying before selling, creating a chain-free position gives significant negotiating power.

What sellers who succeed in 2026 understand

Market predictions matter less than market positioning. Successful sales come from pricing reflecting current buyer capacity, emphasising property features that matter to today's buyers, addressing efficiency concerns before listing, and creating transaction certainty wherever possible. 

The sellers struggling in 2026 won't be those who failed to predict market direction. They'll be those who priced for markets that no longer exist, emphasised features buyers don't value anymore, and ignored efficiency factors that now affect mortgageability directly. 

Our team understands current buyer behaviour and optimal pricing strategy - get expert guidance today

 



The winter selling misconception

You’re considering waiting until spring because everyone assumes winter is the worst time to sell. Meanwhile, the small number of sellers who list well-prepared winter properties are capturing motivated buyers, facing minimal competition, achieving sensible prices quickly, and completing their sales while spring sellers enter crowded markets with inflated expectations that slowly adjust downward.

Here’s what separates winter sellers who succeed from those waiting for perfect spring conditions: understanding that winter offers real advantages for properties prepared specifically for the season.

Light your property like winter matters

Winter viewings often happen after dark, meaning lighting determines whether a home feels warm and inviting or cold and gloomy. Replace dim bulbs, brighten hallways, add lamps to darker corners, and use warm white lighting for an inviting atmosphere. Turn the heating on at least two hours before viewings so buyers step into genuine warmth, not lukewarm rooms.

Present winter honestly, not defensively

Remove summer garden photos that mislead buyers and replace them with realistic, well-presented winter images. Keep outdoor areas tidy: sweep paths, clear dead plants, clean windows, and empty gutters. A winter garden doesn’t need to look lush - it needs to look maintained. Indoors, use subtle winter styling such as soft throws and warm textures to create comfort without overwhelming the space.

Address the problems winter exposes

Condensation, damp patches, and mould aren’t “just winter” - they signal maintenance issues to buyers. Fix ventilation problems, resolve damp sources properly, and eliminate drafts around windows and doors. Buyers mentally deduct thousands for visible defects, and surveys will uncover issues regardless of temporary fixes.

Price realistically for the market today, not the one you hope appears in spring

Winter buyers are serious and motivated. They focus on correctly priced properties and ignore those inflated for spring optimism. Winter listings face limited competition; spring listings face a surge of new supply plus unsold winter stock adjusting downward. Pricing properly now gives far better negotiating strength than waiting for a crowded market.

Your winter selling strategy

Ensure excellent lighting throughout every room and genuine warmth during viewings. Present properties honestly for current season with maintained external areas and appropriate styling. Address visible maintenance issues particularly those winter conditions expose. Price based on current market reality rather than hoped-for spring improvements. 

The sellers achieving strong winter sales understand that seasonal preparation matters as much as general presentation, and properties styled specifically for winter viewing conditions stand out when buyers are actively searching whilst competitors wait unnecessarily. 

Need specific guidance on preparing your property for a successful winter sale? Get expert advice today

 



The selling assumption that costs you offers

You're focusing entirely on highlighting practical features like room sizes, local amenities, and recent improvements, assuming buyers make rational decisions based on objective property merits. Meanwhile, properties selling quickly create emotional connections that make buyers envision their lives there, whilst rational presentations feel sterile and forgettable regardless of how impressive the specifications appear on paper.

Here's what separates homes that generate immediate offers from those sitting on market for months: understanding that buyers choose with emotions then justify with logic, meaning your property must create desire before practical features matter, and emotional connection happens within minutes of entering properties, not through lengthy feature lists.

Create immediate warmth and welcome

First impressions determine whether buyers open their hearts to your property or view it as just another house to assess critically. Ensure your entrance feels welcoming through quality lighting, fresh paint, and clear pathways that suggest care and attention rather than maintenance neglect or unwelcoming approaches.

Natural scents from fresh flowers, subtle baking aromas, or clean fresh air work better than artificial fragrances that buyers interpret as attempts to mask problems. Authentic welcoming atmosphere beats manufactured attempts at appeal because buyers sense genuine versus staged environments immediately.

Temperature matters enormously for emotional comfort. Properties feeling genuinely warm during winter or pleasantly cool during summer create physical comfort that translates to emotional warmth, whilst uncomfortable temperatures prevent emotional connection regardless of other positive features.

Enable lifestyle visualisation

Buyers don't purchase properties; they purchase imagined futures in those spaces. Style rooms showing how life happens there rather than showcasing furniture or décor that prevents buyers visualising their own belongings and activities in those spaces.

Dining tables set for family meals, reading nooks with comfortable seating, home office spaces suggesting productivity, and bedrooms arranged for rest and relaxation help buyers imagine their daily routines rather than admiring your interior design choices that won't remain after sale.

Children's toys, family photographs, and personal collections make spaces feel lived-in but prevent buyer visualisation. Strike balance between sterile empty rooms that feel unwelcoming and overly personalised spaces that belong clearly to someone else rather than potential new owners.

Highlight emotional benefits over technical features

Instead of describing "three bedrooms and two bathrooms," create stories about "space for growing families" or "peaceful retreats after busy days." Transform "large garden" into "perfect for summer entertaining" or "safe space for children to play." Connect features to emotional outcomes buyers desire rather than listing specifications they can see themselves.

Natural light becomes "bright, cheerful mornings" whilst storage solutions become "organised, stress-free living." Practical features matter, but emotional language helps buyers connect benefits to their happiness and lifestyle aspirations rather than just ticking boxes on requirements lists.

Create sensory experiences throughout

Different rooms should feel distinct and purposeful through lighting, temperature, and subtle sensory details that reinforce their intended functions. Bedrooms feeling calm and restful, kitchens suggesting warmth and gathering, living areas encouraging relaxation and socialising.

Quality lighting transforms how rooms feel emotionally. Harsh overhead lights feel institutional whilst warm, layered lighting suggests comfort and homeliness. Invest in proper lighting that makes spaces feel welcoming rather than relying on basic fixtures that create cold, unwelcoming environments.

Textures matter for emotional connection. Soft furnishings, quality materials, and comfortable surfaces suggest homes rather than houses, whilst hard, cold, or uncomfortable materials prevent emotional warming to spaces regardless of visual appeal.

Address emotional concerns proactively

Buyers have emotional fears about maintenance burdens, ongoing costs, and whether properties will continue feeling positive over time. Demonstrate care and maintenance through details like clean grouting, fresh paint, and quality finishes that suggest problems won't emerge immediately after purchase.

Evidence of thoughtful improvements and ongoing care reassures buyers they're acquiring homes that will enhance rather than complicate their lives. Quality rather than quantity matters for emotional reassurance about property condition and future maintenance requirements.

Your emotional connection strategy

Focus on creating feelings of comfort, safety, and possibility rather than impressing buyers with expensive features or extensive specifications. Enable lifestyle visualisation through strategic staging that shows how life happens in your spaces. Use emotional language describing benefits buyers will experience rather than technical features they can observe.

Address emotional concerns through evidence of care and quality whilst creating sensory experiences that make your property feel like a home rather than just another house to evaluate critically. Remember that buyers choose properties they love then find logical reasons to justify emotional decisions they've already made.

The properties selling fastest create immediate emotional connections that make buyers want to live there, whilst those sitting on market fail to engage buyers emotionally regardless of impressive practical features or competitive pricing that appeals to logical analysis.

Contact staging professionals for emotional connection strategies

 



Situated on the sought-after Oak View Road Development in Wadebridge, this three-bedroom end terraced property presents a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers, families, or anyone looking to call the wonderful...

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This historic 17th-century public house, once known as The White Hart and now formally knows as The Laurels Inn, sits at the heart of the village next to the church. Over the years, it has served various roles, including as a...

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Why buyers have more choice than they've had in years, and what it means for pricing

Why buyers have more choice than they have had in years, and what it means for pricing
The number of homes available for sale across the UK stood at 760,000 on 1 July 2026, according to market data covering week 26 of the year, the week ending 5 July. New listings in the year to date have reached 967,000, running 12.5% above the 2017 to 2019 pre-pandemic average and identical to the same point in 2025. For buyers currently in the market, the volume of available stock represents the most extensive field of options in several years. For sellers, it represents the environment against which every pricing decision is being tested.

What the transaction data actually shows
Sales agreed in the year to date stand at 644,000, running 6.8% behind the same period in 2025. That comparison requires context: 2025 included a rush of purchases ahead of the stamp duty threshold changes in April, which inflated the first quarter comparison base. Against 2024, sales agreed are 0.8% ahead. Against 2023, they are 10.7% higher. Against the pre-pandemic years of 2017 to 2019, they are 7.3% above the average. The market has cooled from 2025's elevated conditions. It has not cooled below historical norms.

What elevated stock means for buyers
The combination of 760,000 properties on the market and transaction volumes broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels produces a material shift in the balance of advantage. Buyers currently searching have genuine alternatives at almost every price point and in almost every market. The time available to make a considered decision has increased. The urgency that characterised the supply-constrained conditions of 2021 and 2022 is not a feature of the current market.

For buyers, this environment rewards preparation and patience in equal measure. The breadth of choice allows for a more thorough search, more viewings, and a sharper understanding of relative value before an offer is made. A buyer who has seen twenty comparable properties across six months of searching knows immediately whether a new listing represents fair value. That calibration, which high-supply environments make possible, is one of the most commercially useful advantages available.

What elevated stock means for pricing accuracy for sellers
The data on price reductions is the most direct expression of what elevated stock does to sellers who misread the market. In June 2026, 14.3% of all homes for sale had been reduced in asking price, up from 13.4% in May. The 2026 year-to-date average of 12.9% sits above the six-year long-term average of 10.7%. That means a higher proportion of sellers than the historical norm have discovered, through the market's response to their listing, that their opening price was above what current buyers were prepared to pay.

The price gap data reinforces this. The average asking price of all homes listed for sale stands at £423,000. The average asking price of homes that have actually gone sold subject to contract is £369,000, a difference of 16.6%. This gap, which sits within the long-term range of 16% to 17%, reflects the persistent reality that properties generating transactions are priced meaningfully below the average of everything available.

For sellers approaching the market in the autumn, the data makes a clear case. A property priced accurately against recent comparable sold prices, rather than against the aspirational asking prices of the wider listed stock, enters the market positioned among the 13.8% of listed homes that sold subject to contract in June, rather than the remainder that did not.

Talk to our team about buying or selling today

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What buyers are actually doing during a viewing, and why it matters

What buyers are doing during a viewing, and why it matters
A viewing typically lasts thirty to forty-five minutes, and within that window a browser becomes a buyer, or does not. The first impression at the door, the walk through each room, the questions asked and the corners quietly checked all feed into a decision that is often made long before an offer is put in writing. Most sellers focus on how a property looks. Far fewer stop to think about what a buyer is doing while they are standing in it, and that is the gap worth closing.

The first viewing is emotional, the second is analytical
Buyers rarely commit off a single visit, and the pattern behind that is worth understanding. The first viewing tends to answer a simpler question: does this feel right? The second is where the sums start, storage, commute, whether the kitchen really works for a family of four. Sellers who grasp that distinction can prepare for each visit differently, rather than treating every viewing the same.

The first visit is where atmosphere does the heavy lifting, and atmosphere is built through the nose as much as the eye. Buyers notice smell before they will admit to noticing it. Damp announces itself before it is ever seen. A kitchen that smells unmistakably of fresh coffee or a hallway thick with air freshener tends to raise the same question in a buyer's mind: what is that covering up? The lesson for sellers is not to make a home smell nice. It is that masking a smell is a worse strategy than simply not having one to hide. Clean and well-aired will always beat fragranced.

What buyers are specifically checking
Beneath the first impression, buyers run through a quieter set of checks. Is every door in the house present, or has one been taken off to make a room feel bigger? What is behind the locked one? Does the fireplace actually work, and when was it last swept? If the property has been let before, is the paperwork, gas certificates, EICR, the lot, ready to hand over without a fuss?

None of this is incidental. A cupboard that will not open during a viewing does not read as private. It reads as suspicious. A fireplace with no service record earns a raised eyebrow rather than admiration. And a landlord who can produce every certificate on request tells a buyer something quite different from one who has to go and dig for them later. Treat the list as its own pre-viewing checklist: unlock it, document it, have it ready.

Imagining the home without your belongings
Buyers viewing a furnished property are quietly doing something sellers rarely account for: mentally stripping the room of everything that is not theirs. Nobody wants to buy someone else's lifestyle by accident. It is the flip side of a rule sellers already know from preparing for photography: depersonalise, declutter, make the space easy to picture as somebody else's. If buyers are working to look past the furniture, the least a seller can do is make that easier rather than harder.

Vendor-hosted viewings carry specific opportunity
Not all viewings are equal. One shown by the seller plays out differently from one shown by an agent, and the difference is worth knowing. A buyer being taken round by the person who actually lives there tends to be conscious of it. Most sellers are visibly attached to their home and want it to go to someone who will appreciate it, and a buyer who makes a good impression in that moment often finds it pays off later, at the negotiating table.

For a seller willing to host their own viewings, that is not a courtesy. It is leverage. A relaxed, well-informed walkthrough, one where questions get proper answers and the buyer feels genuinely welcome, is not just good manners. It is the groundwork for the conversation that happens after they have left.

Ready to sell? Talk to our team today

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Rightmove's 2026 forecast: what a predicted 2% price rise actually means

Rightmove's 2026 forecast: What a predicted 2% price rise means
At the end of December 2025, Rightmove published its annual housing market forecast for the year ahead. The headline figure was a predicted 2% rise in new seller asking prices by the end of 2026, following an unexpected fall of 0.6% in 2025. It was a measured forecast built on a specific set of conditions: improving buyer affordability, good levels of available stock, the prospect of continuing mortgage rate reductions, and average wage growth running ahead of house prices. Understanding what that 2% figure was describing, and how 2026 has actually played out against it, is useful context for any seller making decisions in September.

What the forecast was actually measuring
The Rightmove forecast measures new seller asking prices, which is the price at which properties come to the market. This is a different measure from achieved prices, which is what buyers pay at completion and which the ONS records. Asking prices are the more current indicator because they are captured at the point of listing rather than several months later at completion. They are also aspirational: the gap between what sellers ask and what buyers pay at completion is a persistent feature of the market.

Rightmove's December 2025 data showed average asking prices had fallen 0.6% across that year in full, ending at £358,138. The 2% forecast for 2026 would place the end-of-year asking price average at approximately £365,000, representing a recovery of the 2025 fall and modest additional growth.

What actually happened in 2026
The 2% forecast was built on conditions that changed materially in late February 2026. The Iran conflict, which began on 28 February, pushed mortgage rates from approximately 4.25% to above 5% within weeks, disrupting affordability assumptions that had been a central pillar of the forecast. Rightmove's July 2026 House Price Index recorded average asking prices at £372,359, a 1% fall on June and larger than the typical seasonal July decline. Sales agreed in the first half of 2026 were 6% below the equivalent period in 2025, though level with H1 2024.

At the same time, the ONS UK House Price Index for May 2026, measuring completed transaction prices, showed annual growth of 2.7%, above the asking price forecast. The two measures do not contradict each other: asking prices have experienced seasonal softness mid-year while achieved prices, which reflect earlier decisions made in a different rate environment, have held their upward trend.

The regional picture behind the national figure
Rightmove's December forecast was specific about regional variation: Wales, Scotland, and northern England were expected to outperform, while London and the south of England were anticipated to lag. That regional pattern has been broadly accurate. Zoopla's July 2026 data shows the North East recording sales above last year's volumes, while London remains one of the softer markets for both prices and transaction speed.

For sellers, the regional nuance within any national forecast is more commercially relevant than the headline figure. A 2% national average is the product of markets growing at 5% and markets growing at 0% in the same period. What matters for a specific property is what comparable homes in the same postcode have actually sold for in the past three months, not what the national index predicts by year end.

What 2% means in practical terms
On a property priced at £300,000, 2% annual growth represents £6,000. On a property at £400,000, it represents £8,000. This is modest rather than dramatic growth, and it reinforces the consistent message of the 2026 market: correctly priced, well-presented homes are selling. The national forecast provides directional context, but the local sold price data is what determines the outcome.

Talk to our team about pricing your property



The first-time buyers negotiating their way under the £500,000 stamp duty line

The first-time buyers negotiating their way under the £500,000 stamp duty line
The April 2025 changes to stamp duty thresholds have altered the calculation for first-time buyers in a specific and measurable way. Analysis published in June 2026 shows that more than a third of first-time buyers who made offers on homes initially listed above £500,000 successfully negotiated the agreed sale price down to £500,000 or below, allowing them to retain first-time buyer stamp duty relief. The behaviour is a direct and rational response to a threshold that has a significant financial consequence on either side of it.

What the current rules mean for first-time buyers
First-time buyer stamp duty relief in England, as it stands after the April 2025 reforms, applies to purchases up to £500,000. On a purchase at exactly £500,000, a first-time buyer pays no stamp duty on the first £300,000 and 5% on the remaining £200,000, resulting in a total bill of £10,000. On a purchase priced at £500,001, first-time buyer relief no longer applies and standard rates take over, resulting in a meaningfully higher bill.

That cliff edge is the mechanism driving the negotiating behaviour the analysis captures. For a first-time buyer looking at a property listed at £510,000 or £525,000, the financial case for negotiating a seller down to £500,000 or below is direct and quantifiable. It is not simply a discount on the purchase price. It is a change in their tax position.

The broader stamp duty picture for first-time buyers
The scale of the shift in how many first-time buyers are now paying stamp duty is the other striking finding in the June 2026 analysis. Around 30% of first-time buyers in England purchased a home costing more than £300,000 this year, the point at which stamp duty begins to apply for this group. That is double the proportion recorded a decade ago and the highest level on record.

Before the April 2025 threshold reforms, the nil-rate threshold for first-time buyers stood at £425,000, meaning that only around 10% of first-time buyers were purchasing above it. The reduction of that threshold to £300,000 has drawn a substantially larger share of first-time buyers into paying at least some stamp duty, with the impact felt most sharply in London and the South East.

Where the impact is greatest
In London, 78% of first-time buyers are now purchasing above the £300,000 threshold, with an average stamp duty bill of £12,690. In the East of England and South East, 40% and 38% of first-time buyers respectively are purchasing above £300,000. Even in more affordable regions, the trend is visible: 14% of first-time buyers in the North West and 13% in the West Midlands are now paying stamp duty.

First-time buyers are negotiating more aggressively
The analysis also shows that first-time buyers have become more effective at negotiating in the current market. Since the end of the previous stamp duty threshold in March 2025, asking prices for homes purchased by first-time buyers have increased by 5%, but the average price paid has risen by just 0.7%. In May 2026, first-time buyers paid an average of 96.9% of the asking price, compared with 97.9% before the stamp duty changes, representing an average saving of £2,690 per purchase.

The combination of more room to negotiate in a market where buyer demand is measured and the strong financial incentive to stay under the £500,000 threshold is producing a buyer group that is approaching offers with clear strategic intent. For sellers of properties in the £500,000 to £550,000 range, understanding that their most likely buyer group has a specific financial motivation to negotiate to a particular price point is commercially useful context.

Talk to our team about buying your first home