As we move into the summer months, many homeowners start asking the same question:

"Is now a good time to move?"

The simple answer is yes.

Despite all the noise surrounding inflation, mortgage rates, global conflicts, political uncertainty and the ongoing cost of living squeeze, the UK property market continues to show remarkable resilience.

In fact, between mid-April and mid-May this year, more than 104,000 homes were sold subject to contract across the UK.

Now, that's below the extraordinary post-Covid boom of 2021, but when you remove those unusual years from the equation, a very different picture emerges.

The British public are still moving home in healthy numbers.

Life events continue regardless of headlines.

Families grow.
People change jobs.
Relationships begin and end.
Children leave home.
Retirements happen.

And all of these life moments create movement within the property market.

The Market Is Busy... But More Competitive

Week 20 of the UK property market provided another reminder that demand remains strong.

Last week alone, 27,197 homes sold subject to contract, comfortably above the long-term average for this time of year.

Buyers are still active.

However, the biggest story in today's market isn't demand.

It's supply.

Almost 40,000 new homes came onto the market in a single week, helping push total available stock levels above 730,000 homes nationwide.

That's significantly higher than we've seen in recent years.

In simple terms, buyers now have more choice.

And when buyers have more choice, they become more selective.

Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever

One of the biggest mistakes sellers continue to make is pricing their property based on yesterday's market rather than today's.

The data tells an interesting story.

Only 14.6% of homes currently on the market found a buyer last month, whilst 13.1% of sellers reduced their asking price.

That suggests many homeowners are still coming to market too high and adjusting later.

The problem?

The first few weeks on the market are often the most important.

That's when buyer interest is strongest.
That's when your home feels fresh.
That's when you have the greatest opportunity to create competition.

Price too high and buyers often simply move on to the next property.

In today's market, buyers rarely chase overpriced homes.

They ignore them.

The Good News: House Prices Are Holding Up

Whilst transaction volumes and stock levels grab most of the headlines, there is another important statistic worth paying attention to.

Values remain remarkably firm.

The average UK home sold subject to contract last week at approximately £368,000, whilst the average price achieved per square foot remained broadly in line with 2025 levels.

This tells us something important.

The issue isn't that buyers won't pay strong prices.

It's that they want value.

The homes that are presented beautifully, priced correctly and marketed properly are still achieving excellent results.

Why Summer Can Be a Great Time to Sell

Summer has always been one of the most attractive times to market a home.

Gardens are looking their best.
Natural light floods into properties.
Families often have more flexibility to view homes.
Outdoor living spaces can be properly showcased.

For sellers, there are some simple things that can make a big difference:

1. Make the Most of Your Garden

Summer buyers don't just buy the house.

They buy the lifestyle.

Keep lawns trimmed, borders tidy and patios clean. Small improvements can make outdoor spaces feel significantly more appealing.

2. Let the Light In

Open curtains and blinds.
Clean windows.
Show buyers how bright and welcoming your home feels during the longer days.

3. Keep Your Home Cool

If temperatures rise, make sure viewings feel comfortable.

Open windows where appropriate and keep rooms fresh and airy.

4. Focus on First Impressions

The exterior of your home matters more than ever.

With more properties available, buyers often make decisions before they've even stepped through the front door.

Advice for Buyers This Summer

Whilst there is more competition amongst sellers, buyers also have opportunities they haven't seen for several years.

More Choice

There are more homes available than there have been for quite some time.

That means buyers can compare, negotiate and find a property that genuinely suits their needs.

Don't Wait Forever

Although buyers have more options, good homes still attract strong interest.

The best-presented and best-priced properties continue to sell quickly.

Get Prepared

If you're serious about moving, ensure your mortgage arrangements are in place before you start viewing.

The buyers who are ready to proceed often have the strongest negotiating position.

The Bottom Line

The UK property market isn't booming.

But it certainly isn't broken.

Buyers are still buying.
Sellers are still selling.
People are still moving.

The difference in 2026 is that the market has become more competitive.

Homes no longer sell simply because they're available.

They sell because they're positioned correctly.

The sellers who understand today's market and adapt accordingly are achieving excellent results.

Those who don't often become the comparable evidence that helps neighbouring properties sell instead.

If you're thinking about moving in Sawbridgeworth, Bishop's Stortford or the surrounding areas, we'd be delighted to have a no-obligation conversation about your plans and how your home sits in today's market. Find the right valuation type for you here.

After all, every move starts with a chat.