Okay, this is a week late – a fact not lost on me but a consequence of a busy month-end and extended half-term!
So, what happened in October?
The UK government under a new PM and chancellor delivered its Autumn Budget, but there wasn't much good news for homeowners, buyers or anyone really. Predictably, the impact on property has been negligible, and it remains a market characterised by subdued demand and cautious buyers. With that said, another of our recently launched listings went under offer, and we completed on another sale. Both are a reminder that there are good buyers out there, but that price and presentation remain very important P's in your marketing.
In this issue of the Edit, we’ll share headline stats from the UK and local market, industry news, and details of a fabulous new featured listing. I hope you enjoy reading; please let me know of any suggestions for other information that’d be helpful in future Edits.
PROPERTY MARKET SNAPSHOT: October 2026
The local market remains relatively resilient on prices, but the wider market is giving buyers more choice and increasing scope to negotiate.
📍 SURREY HEATH
£458,000 — average house price
+1.5% — annual price growth
Surrey Heath continues to outperform the wider South East, where prices have remained flat.
🇬🇧 UK MARKET
£371,015 — average asking price
+1.0% — monthly movement
-0.1% — annual movement
Asking prices picked up in October, but the underlying market remains cautious and price-sensitive, with annual growth now virtually flat.
🏠 MORE CHOICE, FEWER SALES (AGAIN)
+7% — homes available for sale
-7% — sales agreed
More properties are competing for buyers, while agreed sales are lower than a year ago.
⏱️ BUYERS ARE TAKING LONGER
67 days — average time to secure a buyer
That's up from 60 day averaged reported in May. As a region, the South East is taking longer still, at around 74 days.
💷 MORTGAGE RATES REMAIN A HEADWIND
5.97% — average 2-year fix
6.00% — average 5-year fix
Mortgage rates remain near three-year highs, with borrowing costs continuing to squeeze affordability and making buyers more selective about what theyare willing to pay.
🔮 LOOKING AHEAD
The outlook for the remainder of 2026 is unsurprisingly cautious, with UK house prices forecast to rise by just 0.5% and around 1.1 million sales expected.
With more stock available and mortgage costs still elevated, realistic pricing is likely to remain critical for sellers
Sources: Rightmove, Zoopla, ONS, Moneyfacts
FEATURED PROPERTY: Clarence Drive, Wellington Park, Camberley, Surrey GU15
This is our third sales instruction on Clarence Drive this year! And the home in question is every bit as special as the other two...
A four-bedroom detached home situated in Camberley's Wellington Park that's been extended to give a generous kitchen/family room, with bi-fold doors opening onto the back garden , offering ample entertaining space. Viewings highly recommended!
Autumn Budget 2026: what the property market needs to know
(Zoopla)
Great 5-minute read from Zoopla giving an overview of what the Budget meansfor buyers, sellers, and landlords. It includes possible good news for first-time buyers, and the potential impact on new-build demand.
What's happening with UK house prices?
(Which?)
This is a handy deep dive into UK housing market prices with detailed trend data, expert predications and forecasts looking ahead.
Fantasy house hunt: Upside-down homes for sale
(The Guardian)
We all love a bit of escapism... and so much more so when it involves quirky houses too! Take a peek at these homes without neighbours, some striking interiors and other unusual properties.
Thinking of selling, but not sure where to start?
Let’s have a chat.
I’d love to meet and share some advice on the market and what I’d recommend for your property - with no obligation.
Feel free to get in touch.