The Power Is Shifting to Buyers

25th August 2026

The Power Is Shifting to Buyers

It feels like the winds of change are finally blowing through our local property market, and it's pretty interesting to see. Rightmove shared some news that suggests the balance of power might be tipping, and it's something we're all keeping a close eye on.

What's Happening on the Ground

You know how sometimes you see those big national headlines and wonder what they really mean for us here? Well, August saw the average asking price for a newly listed home dip by about 2%. That works out to be a reduction of roughly £7,360 on average. It’s the slowest August we’ve seen in a few years, actually.

And get this – London saw an even bigger drop, around 4.4%, which is nearly £30,000 off the average asking price there! Zoopla also mentioned that about half of the homes across Great Britain are taking a bit longer to find their new owners compared to last year. It seems like folks are taking their time, looking around, and really considering their options before jumping in.

A Different Vibe for Sellers

This definitely creates a different atmosphere for anyone thinking of selling. In a market that’s really buzzing, buyers often feel that pressure to act fast. But when things slow down a little, like they seem to be doing now, buyers have more breathing room. They can take their time, compare places, chat about the numbers, and even walk away if it doesn't feel quite right. It’s all about having choices, really.

A Closer Look at Flats

Something else we noticed in August’s reports is that flats seem to be facing a bit of a tougher time. Over 80% of leasehold flats listed in England hadn't found a buyer within six months, and in London, that figure is closer to 87%! Things like service charges, the complexities of leaseholds, mortgage hurdles, and even how they're valued are making some of these properties trickier to sell.

For us homeowners, this is a good reminder that not every property performs the same way. A lovely house in a popular spot, priced just right and looking its best, can still be incredibly popular. But a flat with high service charges, a lease that's running short, or financing complications might be navigating a very different market.

Our Perspective

So, while it might not be a full-blown buyer's market everywhere just yet, it's clear that buyers are definitely gaining a bit more leverage. For anyone thinking of selling, being realistic with your pricing is more important than ever. And for those looking to buy, it seems like a bit of patience might just pay off!

Our passion is understanding what’s happening right here in our community, beyond just the national news. And in August 2026, the message is getting louder and clearer: things are changing, and it’s an exciting time to be involved in our local property scene!