by Dee Quealy
As we move further into the spring selling season, it’s normal to see asking prices edge upwards. What’s notable this month is that market activity is continuing to hold fairly steady, despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, higher mortgage rates and wider global uncertainty.
While the national picture remains relatively confident, the detail tells a more balanced story. There is now a clear difference between pricing trends in the north and south of the UK, and sellers in areas such as Kent need to be realistic from the outset if they want to attract strong early interest.
For homeowners in North Kent, the message is clear: buyers are still active, but they have more choice. That makes accurate pricing, strong presentation and expert local advice more important than ever.
Asking Prices Rise In May
According to the latest Rightmove data, the average price of property coming to market rose by 1.2% in May, an increase of £4,333, bringing the national average asking price to £378,304.
That is slightly higher than the ten-year average May increase of 1.0%, suggesting that confidence among sellers remains present.
However, the national average only tells part of the story. Year-on-year, average asking prices are down by 0.3%, and there are notable regional differences beneath the surface.
A Clear North-South Divide
More affordable regions in the north of England are seeing stronger annual price growth, with the North East up 2.7% and the North West up 2.6%.
By contrast, London and the South East are seeing annual asking price falls, with London down 2.4% and the South East down 1.6%.
For homeowners in North Kent, this matters. While our local market remains active, sellers cannot simply rely on national headlines about rising prices. Local conditions, buyer budgets and competing properties all play a major role in determining the right asking price.
Buyer Choice Is At Its Highest Level Since 2015
One of the biggest factors shaping the market right now is supply.
The number of homes for sale is at its highest level for this time of year since 2015. That gives buyers more choice and means sellers need to work harder to stand out.
Almost a third of existing homes for sale have had their asking prices reduced. This is a strong reminder that setting the right price from the very beginning is not just helpful, it can make a significant difference to how quickly a home sells.
Rightmove’s research shows that homes that do not need a price reduction sell in an average of 36 days. Homes that are reduced take an average of 127 days to sell.
That is a difference of 91 days.
Why Pricing Correctly From Day One Matters
It can be tempting to start high and “test the market”, especially if you are not in a rush to move. But in today’s market, that approach can work against you.
The first few weeks of marketing are often when a property receives the most attention. If the price is too ambitious, serious buyers may overlook it, and by the time the price is reduced, the listing may have lost some of its initial momentum.
At Quealy & Co, we believe the best results come from honest, evidence-based pricing, supported by excellent marketing and clear communication throughout the process.
The aim is not simply to put your home on the market. It is to position it correctly so that the right buyers take notice.
Sales Agreed Are Holding Up Well
Despite affordability challenges, sales agreed are only 4% lower than this time last year, and are 2% higher than the same period in 2024.
That is encouraging. It suggests that many buyers are still going ahead with their plans, particularly where they have realistic budgets and clear motivation to move.
The first-time buyer market is following a similar pattern. Sales in this sector are 4% lower than the stronger 2025 market, but only 1% lower than in 2024.
This suggests that first-time buyers have not disappeared from the market, although affordability remains a key factor.
First-Time Buyer Homes Remain More Price Sensitive
Typical first-time buyer homes saw the smallest monthly price increase in May, rising by just 0.3%. They are also still 0.7% lower than this time last year.
For buyers, this may offer some welcome breathing space. For sellers of smaller homes, flats or starter properties, it reinforces the importance of understanding what buyers can afford in the current mortgage market.
A well-priced first home can still generate strong interest. An overpriced one may struggle, especially when buyers are comparing several similar options.
What Does This Mean For The North Kent Market?
Across Sittingbourne, Faversham, Sheerness, Minster, Rainham, Walderslade and the surrounding North Kent areas, the market remains active, but it is more balanced than it has been in recent years.
Buyers are still looking. Sellers are still moving. But pricing confidence needs to be matched with realism.
In this kind of market, successful sellers tend to have three things in place:
Accurate pricing from the start
High-quality marketing and presentation
Clear advice from an experienced local estate agent
The homes that attract attention quickly are usually the ones that feel well-presented, sensibly priced and easy for buyers to understand.
Thinking Of Moving?
If you are thinking of selling your home in North Kent, now is a good time to get a clear and realistic view of where your property sits in the market.
At Quealy & Co, we combine local knowledge, honest advice and proven marketing strategies to help homeowners make confident decisions, whatever the market conditions.
To speak to our team, contact hello@quealy.co.uk or call 01795 429836.
Book your free, no-obligation property valuation today:
https://www.quealy.co.uk/properties-valuation
Whether you are ready to sell or simply exploring your options, understanding your home’s current value is the best place to start.
Source: Rightmove House Price Index, May 2026.
