Lower mortgage rates and steady wage growth have helped to support buyer confidence throughout 2025 and as the summer fades into memory so autumn emerges as a perfect time to sell, despite some uncertainty about what the budget at the end of November may hold.
However a successful Autumn sale still relies on a number of factors, ranging from competitive pricing to seasonal staging. Driven with a new sense of purpose post-summer these are likely to be motivated buyers. Ensuring you are prepared for them is vital.
Price correctly
Correct pricing remains the most important factor for ensuring a swift, successful sale, particularly ahead of possible changes in the Budget. House price growth has slowed, hitting 1.3% for the 12 months to September, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. The figure is the slowest annual rate since April 2024 and is driven largely by what’s happening in London and the south.
Price growth has slowed because supply and demand is increasing. According to Zoopla, the average estate agent now has 36 properties on their books and sales are rising as determined buyers seek to secure homes this autumn. In London, prices are rising by less than 0.5% across the capital because supply is greater. This makes correct pricing even more vital. Zoopla’s research shows that it takes 2.4 times longer for overpriced properties to sell than those correctly priced from the start.
Prepare early
The government’s proposed homebuying and selling reforms, announced earlier this month, aim to speed up the homebuying process, which can currently take an average of 120 days to complete after the buyer’s offer has been accepted. To improve the likelihood of an autumn sale, it’s helpful to get all your ducks in a row by having all the information your agent and prospective buyers will need before you list.
Take advantage of seasonal staging
The autumn provides a rich range of seasonal staging opportunities for your property. Having cleaned and decluttered your property you can bring in a few autumnal touches to show your home is on-trend and current. These could include the deep, rich colours of this time of year or seasonal décor such as pumpkins or autumnal wreathes. Avoid a Halloween theme though since that will quickly date and could literally scare off potential buyers.
As well as making your home visually appealing, stimulate other senses too – a tactile throw on the sofa or scented candles and diffusers for a sweet-smelling ambience.
Maximise kerb appeal
Autumn provides an unmatched range of deep, earthy colours as the leaves turn into shades of reds, oranges and golds so make the most of this beautiful season while you can by ensuring your outside space is looking its best. As soon as leaves start dropping, however, clear them quickly and check that gutters are also clear of rogue leaves. You don’t want prospective buyers slipping on leaf-strewn paths.
Proctors is an independent network of individual estate agent businesses with branches in Beckenham, Bromley, Park Langley, Petts Wood, Shirley and West Wickham. We’ve been buying, selling and letting in these areas since 1946. Get in touch to find out how we can help you with your property requirements.