September Property Market Update | Surrey Heath & Berkshire Property Sellers
Autumn is here and, with routines back in place - school runs, commuting, and work diaries filling up again - many sellers are turning their attention to moving home. If you’re hoping to be in your new place before Christmas, the good news is that it’s still possible. Here’s what I’m seeing in the Surrey Heath and Berkshire market right now.
The Market at a Glance: Solid, Not Surging
Mortgage rates have eased slightly. Two-year fixed deals are averaging around 4.9–5%, with five-year fixes close to 5%. These are the lowest we’ve seen since early 2023, which is helping buyers.
Mortgage approvals are up. In July, over 65,000 new mortgages were agreed - the busiest month since January, which shows confidence is returning.
House prices are steady. Nationwide reported a small rise in August (0.6%) after a very slight dip the previous month.
That said, some buyers are keeping an eye on possible property tax changes, which has created a little hesitation at the top end of the market.
What This Means for Local Sellers
For motivated sellers, two things really count right now: how you present your home and how you price it. Buyers are comparing carefully, so a well-presented, realistically priced property will attract attention and stand out against anything that looks tired or overpriced.
Other key points:
Get paperwork ready early. Having things like new gas and electrical safety certificates completed, lease paperwork, planning permission, FENSA documentation as applicable, will help streamline your conveyancing process and save you weeks of time. This is a non-exhaustive list, but you get the gist.
Keep an eye on your mortgage. If your current deal is ending soon, don’t risk rolling onto a Standard Variable Rate (often over 7%). Speak to your broker and get a new deal agreed as early as you can. It is rarely better to deal with lenders yourself, if you don’t have a mortgage broker - get one! I can recommend a brilliant broker if you need. Please just ask.
Work to a clear timeline. The average sale takes up to 4 months from offer to completion, so acting now gives you the best chance of being moved in before Christmas (properties priced too high can take over 2 times longer!).
For motivated sellers, two things really count right now: how you present your home and how you price it. Buyers are comparing carefully, so a well-presented, realistically priced property will attract attention and stand out against anything that looks tired or overpriced.
Local Snapshot: Surrey Heath & Berkshire
Here in the areas we cover - Camberley, Frimley, Bagshot, Windlesham and Ascot - demand is holding up well. Buyers we’re seeing fall into three main groups:
Families wanting more living space and to be near good schools. The most popular school requests this year have been: St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Tomlinscote School, Crawley Ridge Junior and Infant Schools, Ravenscote Junior School, Prior Heath Infant School and Connaught Junior School.
London movers are searching for a better lifestyle and greater value.
Downsizers keen to stay local, and reduce their outgoings.
Across all groups, the homes that are selling fastest are the ones that look inviting, are sensibly priced, and feel “move-in ready.”
Final Word
If you’d like to be in your new home for Christmas, there’s still time—but it’s important to get started now. With mortgage rates steady, buyer demand holding up, and plenty of families looking locally, there’s every chance to make it happen with the right plan.
Thinking of selling? I’d be happy to give you an honest view of your home’s value and what you can do to make it stand out this autumn.