📊 National Housing Market Update – September
At Keystone, we believe that understanding the bigger picture in the housing market helps our clients make more confident decisions when it comes to selling or buying their homes. Each month, we look at the latest data to see what’s happening nationally, and this month’s figures from Rightmove show a market that’s holding steady overall.
đź’· Prices: Flat Year on Year
According to Rightmove, the average asking price of property coming to market has risen slightly by 0.4% this month. That’s just over £1,500 added to the national average, bringing the figure to £370,257.
However, when you zoom out and compare the market to this time last year, prices are actually 0.1% lower. In other words, house prices nationally are essentially flat.
This stability is positive news for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it means affordability hasn’t worsened significantly despite recent economic uncertainty. For sellers, it shows that the market is resilient, with demand still holding up in many areas.
🌍 Regional Differences: South Slower, Elsewhere Stronger
One of the standout stories this month is the regional divide:
London and the South of England: There are 9% more homes on the market compared with last year. With more choice for buyers, it’s taking around five days longer on average to secure a sale.
The message here is clear — in the South, pricing competitively matters more than ever.
Elsewhere in Great Britain: The picture is brighter. Sales agreed are up by 5% year-on-year, and even in the South, the number of sales agreed is still up 3% compared with last year.
This shows that while some regions are facing slower conditions, the broader market is far from stagnant.
🏠Mortgage Rates: A Glimmer of Good News
One of the most encouraging parts of Rightmove’s update is the shift in mortgage rates. Since the Bank of England began cutting interest rates in August last year, the average two-year fixed mortgage has dropped from 5.03% to 4.52%.
For many buyers, that difference has a real impact:
-Monthly repayments are more manageable
-Affordability improves
-Confidence grows, encouraging more people to press ahead with their move
While rates are still higher than the ultra-low levels of a few years ago, this downward trend is welcome news for anyone considering a purchase.
💰 Tax Talk: What’s on the Horizon?
There has been speculation about possible changes to property taxes in the upcoming Autumn Budget. This is especially relevant in London, where nearly 60% of sales agreed this year have been above ÂŁ500,000.
So far, Rightmove’s data suggests there hasn’t been any major buyer reaction to this speculation. That said, it’s something we’ll be keeping a close eye on, as tax changes often shape market behaviour in the short term.
🔑 What This Means for Sellers
If you’re thinking about selling your home, here’s what the current market conditions mean for you:
Pricing smartly matters: With more choice for buyers, especially in some regions, overpricing can slow down your sale. Getting it right first time is key.
Demand is holding up: Nationally, sales agreed are higher than last year, which shows that buyers are still active.
Preparation is everything: The difference between a sale that drags on and one that moves smoothly often comes down to how prepared you are.
At Keystone, our Sale Ready service is designed with exactly this in mind. We get searches commissioned and legal paperwork prepared from day one, so that when the right buyer comes along, you’re ready to move quickly.
đź‘€ What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, the national update highlights a few important points:
-Affordability is improving slightly, thanks to falling mortgage rates
-Choice is widening in some regions, giving you more negotiating power
-Confidence is growing, with more people moving forward with their plans rather than waiting on the sidelines
If you’re searching for a home in Flintshire or the surrounding areas, registering for our Heads Up Property Alerts is the best way to hear about homes before they even hit the open market. In a competitive environment, being first in line can make all the difference.
⚖️ A Balanced Market
Overall, this month’s update shows a market that’s finding balance. While London and the South are cooling slightly, the rest of the country is seeing steady, even improving, activity. And with mortgage rates easing, many buyers are encouraged to move forward.
For sellers, this means the market is still strong — but the strategy matters. For buyers, it means opportunity.
✨ Final Thoughts from Keystone
The national picture is always helpful, but at Keystone, our focus is on what this means for you locally. Markets can vary from street to street, and having an agent who understands those nuances is what makes the difference.
If you’re considering selling this autumn, now is a good time to get ahead. By preparing your property properly, pricing smartly, and working with an agent who takes care of the details, you’ll put yourself in the best position to achieve a smooth, successful sale.
đź“ž Ready to explore your options?
👇🏼Book a Valuation with us today to find out what your home could be worth in the current market
👇🏼Or sign up to our Heads Up Property Alerts to get early access to homes in Flintshire before they’re released to the public
At Keystone, we’re here to make sure your move isn’t just another transaction - it’s a success story.