If you’ve been following the national property news recently, you could be forgiven for thinking now isn’t the right time to move. Reports of falling asking prices and an increasing number of homes coming onto the market may sound concerning at first glance.
However, as we always say, national headlines only tell part of the story.
Here in our local area, we’re continuing to see a healthy level of buyer demand, steady sales activity and a market that is rewarding sellers who price their homes realistically. So, if you’re considering moving, don’t let the headlines make the decision for you before you’ve spoken to your local property experts.
National Headlines vs the Local Market
According to the latest figures from Rightmove, average asking prices across the UK fell by around 1% during July. While it’s not unusual to see prices soften slightly over the summer months, this represents one of the largest seasonal reductions seen in around a decade.
One of the reasons behind this is the growing number of properties available for sale. Nationally, there are around 12% more homes on the market than there were earlier in the year, giving buyers greater choice and creating a more competitive marketplace for sellers.
When buyers have more options, they’re naturally able to be more selective, making accurate pricing more important than ever.
What We’re Seeing Locally
Although our local market reflects many of the national trends, it’s also showing plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.
Compared with the beginning of April, the number of properties available across the areas we cover has increased by around 10%. Buyers certainly have more choice than they did earlier in the year.
Interestingly though, whilst new property listings during July were actually 8% lower than in June, the number of agreed sales increased by 3% over the same period.
That’s an encouraging sign.
It tells us that although fewer new homes came to market, buyers continued to make decisions and move forward with purchases. Demand hasn’t disappeared; buyers are still out there, they’re simply taking more time to choose the right property.
We’re also seeing a stronger conversion rate from new instructions to agreed sales. In June, around 68% of newly marketed properties progressed to sale, increasing to 77% during July.
In other words, well-priced homes are continuing to find buyers.
Pricing Strategy Has Never Been More Important
If there’s one message we’ve repeated throughout 2026, it’s that today’s market is price-sensitive.
That remains just as true this month.
The days of simply placing a property on the market at an ambitious price and expecting immediate offers have largely passed. Buyers are comparing similar homes, researching values carefully and recognising good value when they see it.
This doesn’t mean sellers have to accept disappointing prices; it simply means the right pricing strategy is essential from the very beginning.
At Ellis Winters, we don’t just help clients decide on an asking price. We work with sellers to create a marketing strategy that gives their property the best possible chance of standing out in a competitive marketplace.
Professional photography, targeted digital marketing, local knowledge and realistic pricing all work together to attract serious buyers.
Focus on the Cost of Moving, Not Just the Sale Price
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is often whether they’ll achieve the figure they originally hoped for.
However, it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
If you’re selling and buying in the same market, any adjustment you make on your own sale is often balanced by the opportunities available on your onward purchase.
Rather than focusing solely on the value of your current home, it’s worth thinking about your overall “price to change”.
Ultimately, moving home is about achieving your next chapter… whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, relocating or finding your forever home. Sometimes taking emotion out of your property’s value and concentrating on the overall move can help you reach that goal sooner.
Can the Weather Affect the Property Market?
One interesting trend highlighted this month is the impact of this summer’s prolonged heatwaves.
According to Rightmove, buyer demand dipped by around 8% during May’s hot spell, 6% during June’s, and 4% throughout July as temperatures remained unusually high.
It’s perhaps not surprising.
When the weather is exceptionally warm, many people understandably choose holidays, family days out or simply enjoying the sunshine over spending weekends viewing properties. Sellers may also be less inclined to prepare their homes for viewings during periods of extreme heat.
The encouraging news is that these slowdowns tend to be temporary. Once temperatures become more comfortable, activity typically returns to normal levels.
Despite the hot weather and the start of the school holidays, we’ve actually been pleasantly surprised by how busy the local market has remained.
Rental Market Continues to Stabilise
The lettings market is also continuing to return to a more balanced position.
Following the uncertainty surrounding the Renters’ Rights Act earlier this year, supply and demand have settled into a healthier rhythm.
Tenants now have a little more choice than they did previously, while landlords are still achieving strong rental values for well-presented homes.
Overall, the market feels much more stable than it did just a few months ago, providing confidence for both landlords and tenants planning their next move.
Thinking About Moving?
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up the property ladder, downsizing or looking for your next rental property, local knowledge has never been more valuable.
National headlines provide useful context, but every local market behaves differently.
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to move, we’d encourage you not to make decisions based solely on what you read in the news.
Come and have a conversation with your local Ellis Winters team. We’ll provide honest advice, a realistic pricing strategy and a tailored marketing plan to help you achieve your moving goals.
Every move starts with a conversation, and we’d be delighted to help you take that first step.
To watch the full market update video, click here.
