If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to sell my house, the latest market figures offer a balanced message.
House price growth has slowed to around 0.8% annually. At the same time, there are roughly 5% more homes for sale than this time last year, while buyer demand is around 9% lower. Asking prices did rise by 0.7% in September, but properties are generally taking longer to find a buyer.
This isn’t a market without opportunities. People are still moving, and well-priced homes can attract serious interest. However, buyers have more choice and are taking longer to make decisions.
For sellers, the message is straightforward: accurate pricing, strong presentation and responsive advice matter more than ever.
What do the figures show?
September’s market data presents a mixed picture rather than a clear boom or downturn.
Rightmove reported that average asking prices for newly listed homes rose by 0.7% month on month, reaching £367,440. This was the first monthly increase since May and slightly above the usual seasonal rise for September.
However, asking prices remained 0.8% lower than a year earlier. Buyer demand was also 9% below last year, and the number of homes available to purchase was at a 12-year high.
The wider official data is based on completed sales and moves at a different stage of the process. The latest UK House Price Index showed annual UK house price growth of 1.4% in the year to July 2026, with regional differences particularly noticeable.
These figures are not contradictory. Asking prices show what sellers are hoping to achieve today, while completed-sale data reflects transactions agreed earlier. Both point to a market where prices are relatively stable but buyers remain careful.
Why is selling taking longer?
More choice and softer demand naturally give buyers more time.
Rightmove’s September report found that it takes an average of 64 days to find a buyer nationally. In London, the average was longer at around 78 days. Once a buyer is found, the report suggests that completion can take a further 150 days on average.
That doesn’t mean every property will take this long. A well-presented home in a popular location, priced in line with current evidence, may move much more quickly.
It does mean that sellers should plan realistically. If you need to move by a specific date, allowing extra time can reduce pressure later.
A property that sits on the market for several months may also attract more negotiation. Buyers may assume there is a reason it hasn’t sold, even when the only issue is an over-ambitious asking price.
Is your asking price realistic?
In a slower market, the first asking price is especially important.
It’s tempting to base your expectations on what a neighbour achieved last year, or on the highest online estimate you can find. But the market may have changed since that sale. Mortgage costs, buyer affordability, competing homes and local demand all influence what your property is worth today.
A strong valuation should consider:
- Recently completed sales of genuinely comparable homes
- Current properties for sale nearby
- Your property’s condition, size and layout
- Location-specific factors such as transport, schools and outdoor space
- How quickly similar homes are attracting viewings
- The likely budget of your target buyers
- Whether your property needs improvements before launch
A property valuation online can be a useful starting point, but it shouldn’t replace local knowledge. Automated estimates may not understand a renovated kitchen, an unusual layout or the difference between two nearby streets.
At Lyss Homes, we provide clear advice based on local conditions, current competition and your plans. Our aim is to help you choose a price that attracts serious buyers without making unrealistic promises.
Should you reduce the price?
A price reduction isn’t always necessary, but waiting too long to respond can make a sale harder.
Before reducing the price, review the full picture:
- Are buyers clicking on the listing?
- Are people booking viewings?
- Is there feedback about presentation or condition?
- Are the photographs showing the property well?
- Is the price competitive with similar homes?
- Are viewings easy to arrange?
- Are buyers hesitating because of lease, service charge or chain concerns?
If online interest is low, the issue may be the price or marketing. If viewings are taking place but no offers are arriving, presentation, layout or buyer objections may need attention.
Your estate agent should explain what the feedback means and recommend a clear next step. That might be a price adjustment, refreshed photography, improved presentation or a more flexible viewing schedule.
The important thing is to avoid letting the listing become stale.
Does presentation still matter?
Yes, particularly when buyers have more homes to compare.
You don’t need to spend heavily on renovations before selling. Small, practical improvements can make a noticeable difference:
- Declutter rooms and remove bulky furniture
- Complete minor repairs and touch-ups
- Clean windows and brighten darker spaces
- Keep gardens, balconies and entrances tidy
- Use neutral, well-maintained furnishings where possible
- Make sure every room has a clear purpose
- Prepare the property before photographs and viewings
Buyers want to understand how the space will work for them. A clean, bright and well-presented home helps them focus on the property’s strengths.
Good photography is equally important. Your listing is often judged online before a buyer ever books a viewing. Clear images, an accurate description and a floor plan can help your home stand out among other property for sale.
How should viewings work?
Flexibility can make a real difference.
In a quieter market, you may not have several buyers competing to view at once. Making the property available at suitable times, including some evenings or weekends, can help more serious buyers see it.
Before each viewing:
- Open curtains and blinds
- Turn on lights
- Keep rooms warm and welcoming
- Remove washing, bins and unnecessary clutter
- Make pets comfortable elsewhere if possible
- Leave useful information about parking, storage or recent improvements
You don’t need to follow every buyer around the property. Giving people space to look properly can make the experience more comfortable. Your agent should manage the viewing professionally and gather useful feedback afterwards.
What happens during negotiation?
Buyers may negotiate more confidently when supply is higher.
That doesn’t mean you should accept the first offer automatically. It means you should assess each offer carefully, looking beyond the headline figure.
Consider:
- Is the buyer financially proceedable?
- Do they have a mortgage agreement in principle?
- Are they in a chain?
- Have they accepted an offer on their own property?
- Can they meet your preferred timescale?
- Are they asking for additional items or changes?
The strongest offer isn’t always the highest one. A slightly lower offer from a well-prepared buyer may provide more certainty than a higher offer from someone whose position is unclear.
Your estate agent should negotiate firmly but fairly, explain your options and keep you updated throughout.
What should you expect from estate agents?
Choosing the right agent is particularly important when the market is price-sensitive.
Look for estate agents who can provide:
- A realistic valuation supported by local evidence
- A clear marketing plan and timeline
- Professional photography and accurate property details
- Prompt communication with buyers
- Flexible viewing arrangements
- Honest feedback after viewings
- Skilled negotiation
- Regular updates, even when there is no major news
A good agent should be willing to have honest conversations. Telling you an unrealistic price simply to win your instruction may feel positive at first, but it can lead to wasted time, repeated reductions and unnecessary stress.
You should know what is happening, what the next step is and how your agent is responding to buyer feedback.
What does this mean for you?
The slower market doesn’t mean you have to delay your plans. It does mean you should approach the sale with a clear strategy.
If you’re ready to sell, pricing correctly from the beginning gives you the best chance of attracting attention while your listing is new. If you’re still considering your options, an up-to-date valuation can help you understand what a move might look like without committing to anything.
At Lyss Homes, we offer a personal, hands-on service with transparent advice, clear timelines and regular updates. We’ll help you understand your options and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Request a property valuation online with Lyss Homes to receive practical advice based on your home and the current local market.