24 September 2026
Your September 2026 Property Market Update
by Dee Quealy
An Autumn Boost for Property Prices, but Sellers Face More Competition
September has brought a welcome change of pace to the property market, with asking prices rising for the first time since May. After a quieter summer, buyers and sellers are beginning to return to the market, bringing renewed activity as we head into Autumn.
However, while the latest figures offer some encouraging signs, the market remains competitive. With more properties available to buy than we have seen at this time of year for 12 years, buyers have plenty of choice, and sellers need to work harder to make their homes stand out.
For anyone thinking about buying or selling a property in Kent, understanding the current market and getting the right advice from the outset could make all the difference.
Asking Prices Rise for the First Time Since May
According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, the average asking price of a newly listed property rose by 0.7% in September, an increase of £2,441.
This brings the national average asking price to £367,440, compared with £364,999 in August.
September is traditionally a busier month for the property market. With the summer holidays behind us and families settling back into their usual routines, many people begin to refocus on their plans to move before the end of the year.
This year's increase is slightly higher than the ten-year September average of 0.5%, suggesting that the usual Autumn increase in activity may be beginning to take effect.
However, there is still some ground to make up following a particularly quiet summer. Average asking prices remain 0.8% lower than this time last year and 2.3% below where they stood at the beginning of the summer.
While September's figures are encouraging, they represent a modest recovery rather than a significant change in the market.
More Homes for Sale Means More Choice for Buyers
One of the biggest challenges facing sellers this Autumn is the number of properties currently available.
There are now more homes on the market than at any September in the past 12 years, giving buyers a wider selection of properties to consider.
At the same time, the number of buyers making enquiries is 9% lower than this time last year.
For buyers, this creates an opportunity to explore different properties, compare asking prices and take a more considered approach to their next move.
For sellers, however, it means that standing out from the competition is particularly important.
When buyers can choose between several similar properties, they are likely to be more selective about which homes they view and where they make an offer.
At Quealy & Co, we know that attracting the right buyer starts long before the first viewing. Getting the asking price, presentation and marketing strategy right from the outset can make a significant difference to the success of your sale.
Getting Your Asking Price Right Is Essential
In a market where buyers have plenty of choice, setting a realistic asking price from the beginning remains one of the most important steps towards securing a successful sale.
Rightmove's latest figures show that 74% of homes that have sold so far this year were priced correctly from the outset, without needing a subsequent asking price reduction.
This reinforces the importance of understanding your property's position within the current market.
An asking price that is too ambitious can discourage potential buyers from arranging a viewing, particularly when similar properties are available at more competitive prices.
Of course, pricing competitively does not mean undervaluing your home.
It means taking an informed approach, considering recent local sales, the properties you are competing against and the features that make your home attractive to potential buyers.
At Quealy & Co, we combine our knowledge of the Kent property market with a tailored approach to marketing, helping sellers position their homes effectively and attract serious interest from the outset.
Regional Differences Highlight the Importance of Local Knowledge
While national property market figures provide a useful overview, they do not always reflect what is happening in individual towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
Rightmove's latest data highlights some significant differences in the proportion of properties successfully finding a buyer across Great Britain.
In Scotland, 91% of homes coming to the market are finding a buyer, compared with 71% in the North West of England.
In the South East, that figure falls to 56%, while in London, just 42% of properties are finding a buyer.
These differences demonstrate why understanding local market conditions is so important.
For homeowners in Kent, the value and saleability of a property will depend on several factors, including its location, condition, presentation and the number of similar homes currently available.
A well-presented family home in Sittingbourne, for example, may attract a different level of interest from a comparable property in another part of the country.
Rather than relying solely on national averages, sellers should consider what buyers are looking for in their particular area and how their property compares with the local competition.
What Are Mortgage Rates Doing?
Mortgage rates have continued to rise over the past month, adding further pressure to buyers' budgets.
Rightmove's daily mortgage tracker shows that the average two-year fixed mortgage rate is now 5.29%, compared with 5.09% in August.
This is also considerably higher than the average rate of 4.25% recorded before the conflict in Iran began at the end of February.
For someone taking out a new mortgage, average monthly repayments are now approximately £180 higher than they were before the conflict began.
With ongoing economic uncertainty continuing to affect financial markets, many potential buyers are understandably taking a careful approach to their finances before committing to a move.
There is, however, still a range of mortgage products available to suit different borrowing requirements and deposit sizes.
For anyone thinking about buying a property in Kent, understanding your borrowing options and establishing a comfortable monthly budget is an important first step.
The average mortgage rate is not necessarily the rate that will be available to you, so seeking advice based on your individual circumstances can help you make more informed decisions.
What Does This Mean for the Kent Property Market?
September's figures suggest that the property market is beginning to regain some momentum following a quieter summer.
However, with a greater choice of homes available and buyers remaining mindful of affordability, sellers cannot simply rely on the usual Autumn increase in activity to secure a sale.
Here in Kent, people are still buying and selling homes, but realistic expectations and a well-considered marketing strategy are increasingly important.
For those thinking about selling, this means understanding your property's current market value and ensuring that it appeals to the buyers most likely to be interested in it.
Strong photography, thoughtful presentation and effective marketing can all help capture attention, while competitive pricing gives buyers the confidence to arrange a viewing and make an offer.
At Quealy & Co, we understand that every property is different, and so is every homeowner's reason for moving.
Whether you are looking to upsize, downsize, relocate or simply explore your options, our experienced local team can help you understand the current market and develop a strategy that works for you.
Thinking of Selling Your Kent Home This Autumn?
With September bringing renewed activity to the property market, now could be a good time to explore your options if you are considering a move.
However, with more properties competing for buyers, getting the right advice before putting your home on the market is more important than ever.
At Quealy & Co, we can provide an honest, evidence-based assessment of your property's current value, together with advice on how best to present and market your home to attract the right buyers.
Book your free, no-obligation property valuation in Kent:
Book Your Free Property Valuation
Alternatively, call our friendly local team on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk to discuss your property plans.
Source: Rightmove House Price Index, September 2026. National and regional figures are indicative of wider market conditions and may not reflect individual property values in Kent.
Other Stories
