2026 was a long, hot summer but if you are now looking to sell now is the time to begin getting your property autumn-ready for market, whether you are still clinging on to those summer memories or not.
It requires effort. The market is challenging. Affordability continues to be stretched, house price growth has slowed and, with the new chancellor’s first autumn budget approaching in October, there will be some nervousness in the market. You also face huge competition, with the number of properties for sale in August at the highest for the time of year since 2014, according to Rightmove.
Yet Rightmove’s August House Price Index also showed that buyer demand increased 5% since new prime minister Andy Burnham came into power on 20 July. Coupled with his assurances that there won’t be stamp duty changes in the October budget, confidence could continue its rebound into autumn. Being autumn-ready will help you take advantage of such demand.
Price in accordance with the market conditions
Regardless of whether the pick-up in demand continues, competition for buyer attention remains fierce. With so much stock to choose from, autumn buyers hold the power. This means it’s vital you price based on recent sold prices, rather than over-ambitious agent valuations or a figure aimed at securing you your next dream property.
Catch the last rays of summer
At the time of writing, another heatwave was forecast for September. This provides an opportunity to continue to highlight your outdoor space to buyers, while also getting it sale-ready for the colder weather – packing up summer items, tidying up planting and preparing for autumn storms, for example.
But prepare to get cosy inside
As the temperatures drop – and they will do fast, especially compared to the summer now past – it’s time to warm up your interior. And we don’t mean simply putting the heating on, although now is also the perfect time to ensure radiators have been bled and boilers serviced.
Heavier curtains, rich cosy throws that mimic the soon-to-be changing leaves outside, and seasonal scents, in the form of candles or diffusers, will bring a wider sensory autumnal appeal to your property that could snare buyer attention.
Cleaning and decluttering
Cleaning and decluttering are an essential part of pre-sale preparation, whatever the season. However, summer brings time away from home or evenings in the garden and that might mean housework was a little neglected. It could also mean that summer and holiday items are still taking up valuable space. Clearing these, along with other clutter, will make it easier for potential buyers to see all aspects of your home.
Freshen, repair or replace
Once clear, it’s also easier tosee what parts of your property might need a little TLC. In the current market, you want to avoid reasons a buyer might use to negotiate on price. Property neglect will trigger alarm bells, even if it is just a leaky tap or a faulty window latch, because it hints that bigger problems could be hiding. Buyers will push hard to reduce the price or look elsewhere.
Even if no obvious jobs are evident, try to take an impartial view of your property – or ask an agent to help. Could walls do with a lick of paint to freshen them up, or might a few pounds spent on a new bathmat and accessories give a tired bathroom a new lease of life? Small upgrades really can make all the difference.
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.