UK Property Market Update: Autumn 2026
The UK property market is showing signs of its traditional autumn revival, with asking prices rising for the first time since May and buyer activity beginning to pick up following a quieter summer.
However, while the seasonal increase is encouraging, the latest figures suggest that sellers still need to approach the market with realistic expectations, particularly when it comes to pricing, presentation and timescales.
Our latest Keys to the Market – Autumn 2026 report looks at the key trends shaping the national and regional housing market and what they could mean for anyone considering a move this autumn.
Asking prices rise as the autumn market begins
The average asking price of newly listed properties increased by 0.7% in September, equivalent to £2,441, taking the national average asking price to £367,440.
It marks the first monthly increase since May and is slightly stronger than the ten-year average September increase of 0.5%. This could indicate the beginning of the traditional autumn bounce as buyers and sellers return to the market following the summer holidays.
That said, the wider picture remains relatively subdued.
Average asking prices are still 0.8% lower than a year ago, while the number of homes available for sale is at a 12-year high for this time of year.
For sellers, that means simply putting a property on the market is unlikely to be enough. With buyers having plenty of choice, the homes that stand out on price, presentation and marketing are likely to be best placed to attract serious interest.
Buyers are returning but affordability remains a challenge
Buyer activity has begun to increase as the holiday season comes to an end, but demand remains below the levels seen last year.
Buyer enquiries are currently 9% lower year-on-year, while the number of sales agreed is also 9% down. New listings are 3% lower than the same period in 2025.
At the same time, mortgage costs continue to place pressure on affordability.
The average two-year fixed mortgage rate has risen to 5.29%, compared with 5.09% the previous month.
For buyers, understanding affordability before beginning a property search is therefore particularly important. For sellers, it reinforces the need to consider not only what they would ideally like to achieve, but what buyers in their local market can realistically afford.
Pricing correctly from the outset matters more than ever
One of the clearest messages from the Autumn 2026 market is the importance of getting the asking price right from day one.
Across the market, around 61% of homes coming to market currently find a buyer, compared with 74% during the exceptionally strong market of 2021.
Rightmove analysis included within our report also shows that 74% of homes sold so far this year were priced correctly from the outset and did not require a subsequent asking-price reduction.
This is particularly important in a market where purchasers can compare more competing properties.
An ambitious asking price may appear attractive initially, but if it results in a property sitting on the market for several weeks without meaningful interest, it can ultimately make securing the best outcome more difficult.
A well-researched valuation based on recent local evidence, current competition and buyer demand is therefore increasingly important.
How long does it currently take to sell a property?
Sellers thinking about moving before Christmas may need to act quickly.
It currently takes an average of around 64 days to secure a buyer, followed by approximately 150 days to complete the transaction.
That means the complete selling process can take around seven months on average.
Some transactions will complete considerably faster, of course, but sellers beginning their move now should be realistic about the timescales involved.
Preparing your property carefully before launching, choosing the right asking price and ensuring the marketing is ready from day one can all help reduce unnecessary delays.
What is happening in the South West property market?
Our regional analysis shows a relatively stable picture across the South West.
The average asking price in the region currently stands at £378,323, with prices unchanged month-on-month and 1.1% lower than a year ago.
The average time required to secure a buyer in the South West is approximately 72 days.
This compares with a national average of around 64 days and highlights why understanding the individual local market is so important.
Conditions can vary considerably not only from region to region, but between neighbouring towns, villages, property types and price brackets.
Regional differences remain significant
The regional map in our Autumn report demonstrates just how varied the UK housing market currently is.
Scotland recorded the strongest figures, with average asking prices rising 3.8% month-on-month and 4.2% annually, while homes take around 33 days on average to secure a buyer.
By comparison, London saw prices rise 1.8% during the month but remain 2.6% below last year, with the average property taking approximately 78 days to find a buyer.
Selling success also varies significantly: around 91% of homes coming to market in Scotland find a buyer, compared with 56% in the South East and 42% in London.
These variations reinforce why national headlines should always be considered alongside local market knowledge.
What does the Autumn 2026 market mean for sellers?
For anyone considering selling this autumn, there is still plenty of opportunity.
Buyers are returning to the market following the summer and there remains a clear underlying desire among people to move home.
However, this is also a market in which buyers have more choice and are increasingly conscious of affordability.
Successful sellers therefore need to focus on three things: accurate pricing, strong presentation and high-quality marketing.
Getting these elements right from the beginning can help a home stand out from competing properties and maximise the chances of attracting serious buyers.
Thinking about selling?
The property market is rarely the same from one postcode to the next.
At Nest Associates, our local agents combine detailed knowledge of their individual markets with professional presentation, modern marketing and a personal approach to selling your home.
If you're thinking about moving, we can provide an up-to-date assessment of your property's value and explain what buyers are currently looking for in your area.