The Property Market This Autumn: Mortgages, Moving and What the Latest Figures Mean
Autumn has arrived, the summer holidays are behind us and, as we head towards the final months of the year, there are signs that the property market is finding a little more momentum.
For anyone thinking about moving, the headlines around mortgage rates and the wider economy can make the market feel complicated. But behind the headlines, there are opportunities for buyers, sellers and landlords – provided decisions are made with a clear understanding of the market today.
So, what is happening across the property market this autumn?
Mortgage rates: stability, but not yet cheap borrowing
The Bank of England has held the Base Rate at 3.75%, where it has remained since December 2025. While this provides some stability for borrowers, mortgage rates themselves don't simply move in line with the Base Rate.
Fixed-rate mortgages are influenced by wider financial markets and expectations about where interest rates may go next. Rightmove's latest figures, updated on 26 September, show average fixed rates of 5.49% for a two-year deal and 5.47% for a five-year deal.
For buyers, that means affordability remains an important consideration. The amount you can borrow and the monthly payment you are comfortable with may look different from a few years ago.
It also means that getting good mortgage advice early is particularly valuable. Knowing your budget before you start looking at properties can help you move with confidence when the right home comes along.
An autumn lift in the property market
There is some more encouraging news for those considering a move.
Rightmove's September data shows that average asking prices for newly listed properties increased by 0.7% during September, the first monthly rise since May. However, prices remain 0.8% lower than a year ago, while the number of properties available for sale has reached a 12-year high.
For buyers, more choice can be a positive thing. There is less need to rush into a purchase simply because there are very few suitable homes available.
For sellers, however, it reinforces the importance of getting the pricing right from the outset.
Rightmove reports that around 61% of homes currently coming to market are finding a buyer, although the figure varies considerably between regions. Its analysis also found that 74% of homes sold so far this year were priced correctly from the beginning and did not subsequently require an asking-price reduction.
In other words, while the autumn market is showing signs of activity, buyers remain discerning.
For sellers, realistic pricing matters
The temptation when selling is to look at what similar properties have been advertised for and aim a little higher.
But an asking price isn't the same as a sold price.
With buyers carefully considering their monthly mortgage commitments and having more properties to choose from, an attractive and realistic asking price can make a significant difference to how quickly a property generates interest.
This is where local knowledge becomes particularly important.
Every property market is made up of smaller local markets, and factors such as location, condition, presentation, school catchments, transport links and the type of buyer looking in the area can all influence demand.
A good valuation isn't simply about producing a figure. It's about understanding where your property sits within the market today and how to position it accordingly.
What does this mean for landlords?
The sales and rental markets are closely connected, and the latest rental figures make interesting reading for anyone who owns a property as an investment.
According to Zoopla's September Rental Market Report, the average UK rent is now £1,343 a month, 2.6% higher than a year ago. At the same time, the number of homes available to rent is 3% lower than a year ago, while the number of new homes coming onto the rental market has fallen by 6%.
Zoopla reports that there are now an average of 5.3 enquiries per rental property, the highest level for almost two years. It expects rental growth to reach around 4–5% by the end of 2026, although conditions vary considerably from one area to another.
For landlords, this highlights the importance of understanding the local market rather than relying solely on national figures.
A property that is correctly positioned, competitively priced and well presented can attract strong interest. At the same time, landlords need to consider the wider costs of ownership, mortgage rates, taxation and the increasing regulatory responsibilities that come with letting a property.
For anyone considering buying an investment property, reviewing the numbers carefully before making a decision is essential.
And what about those thinking of moving?
Perhaps the biggest message from the current market is that there isn't one simple story.
Mortgage rates remain higher than many buyers would like, but they are giving buyers greater certainty than the volatile periods of recent years.
There is more property available to choose from, while autumn has brought a welcome improvement in asking prices and activity.
Meanwhile, the rental market is tightening again, with fewer properties available and increasing competition – something that will be of particular interest to existing landlords and anyone considering property investment.
For homeowners thinking about selling, this isn't a market where simply putting a property online and waiting is likely to be enough. Presentation, pricing and marketing all matter.
The local market matters most
National statistics are useful for understanding the wider picture, but they don't tell you what your particular home is worth.
Property markets can vary significantly even between neighbouring towns and villages, and the right price for one property may not be the right price for another.
That's why, if you're considering selling, buying or reviewing a property investment, it's worth getting an up-to-date view of your local market before making any decisions.
At Burnett's, we believe good estate agency starts with honest advice and a proper understanding of the market.
Whether you're thinking about moving this autumn, considering your options for the year ahead or simply wondering what your home might be worth in today's market, we'd be very happy to have a conversation.
The market may be changing, but good advice remains invaluable.