September 2025 Property Market Update for Homeowners: What the Latest Data Means for You
The leaves are starting to turn, the kids are back in school, and for the housing market, September is always a month of fresh activity. But what do the latest stats really tell us about house prices, selling times, and whether now’s a good time to make your move?
The numbers show the changes in the market over August and September 2025 and we’ve added a friendly perspective to keep you in the house buying and selling loop. So whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, you’ll feel informed and confident about what’s next.
Executive Summary: Key Takeaways for Homeowners
- Sales Market Stronger Than Last Year: 77% of homes listed in August sold, up from 72.5% in August 2024.
- Price Reductions on the Rise: Nearly 60% of homes required a price reduction to sell, up from 55.5% last year.
- Homes Taking Longer to Sell: Average time to secure a buyer now 77 days, 8 days longer than last year.
- New Listings Holding Steady: Same number of homes listed as last September, indicating stable seller confidence.
- Buyers Have More Choice: Higher stock levels are tipping the market slightly in buyers’ favour.
- Accurate Pricing is Critical: Overpricing is leading to more reductions, while homes priced correctly are selling faster.
1. A Surprisingly Stable Market With Some Positive Signs
While many homeowners expected a sluggish market this summer, the data from August 2025 paints a more optimistic picture.
📊 August 2025 Market Highlights (UK-wide):
- 135,000 homes listed, similar to August 2024 (129,000)
- 99,500 homes sold, compared to 97,500 in August 2024
- 77% sales-to-listing ratio, up from 72.5% last year
💡 What this means for homeowners:
If you’re thinking of selling, conditions may be better than expected. The percentage of homes successfully selling is higher than this time last year, suggesting committed buyers are still active despite economic concerns.
2. Price Reductions Are Increasing But It's Not All Bad
While more homes are selling, many need a price reduction to attract serious buyers.
🔻 Price Reduction Stats:
- 60% of homes reduced their asking price (August 2025)
- Up from 55.5% in August 2024
- Over 77,500 reductions recorded in a single month
💡 What this means for homeowners:
Accurate pricing from day one is essential. Overpricing leads to delayed sales, more reductions, and ultimately, lower buyer interest. With buyers having more choice, competitive pricing is key to standing out.
3. Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell
Time on the market has increased across the board.
⏳ Average Time to Sell:
- 77 days (August 2025)
- Up from 69 days (August 2024)
That’s an 11% increase in selling time year on year.
💡 What this means for homeowners:
Manage expectations around timing. If you’re aiming to move before Christmas, act now. Homes listed in September could still complete before the end of the year, but the window is closing.
4. September Surge: Back-to-School Boost
As usual, September brought a spike in activity:
- Over 62,000 homes listed in early September 2025, matching the same period in 2024
- However, sales dipped to 68% of listings, down from 77% in August
💡 What this means for homeowners:
There’s increased competition as many homeowners list after the summer holidays. To sell quickly, your home must stand out visually, competitively, and through pricing strategy.
5. We're Still in a Buyer's Market
Despite strong sales figures, the market remains buyer-leaning due to:
- Higher stock levels
- Increased time on market
- Buyers being more price-sensitive
💡 What this means for homeowners:
If you’re selling, you’re competing not only on features but on value. Buyers know they have options. Sellers who invest in presentation, pricing, and marketing are more likely to secure a faster and better sale.
6. The Importance of Pricing Strategy
Rightmove data shows:
- A 1.3% drop in asking prices in August, typical for the month
- A 0.3% increase in average asking price year on year
- Price reductions are 8% higher than in previous peak sales months like July 2020
💡 What this means for homeowners:
These aren't signs of crashing values. They show agents are getting more accurate with pricing. A realistic asking price from the start means fewer reductions later and more serious buyers sooner.
7. Actionable Advice for Homeowners: What Should You Do Now?
✅ Thinking of Selling?
- Act quickly if you want to move before Christmas
- Price accurately from day one to avoid the need for reductions
- Invest in marketing: high-quality photos, video tours, and good presentation matter more than ever
- Don’t delay listing in hopes of a price rise, as the data doesn’t support that
🧭 Already on the Market?
- Review your price if you’ve been listed more than 3–4 weeks with low activity
- Ask your agent for a comparative market analysis with recent local sales
- Schedule a strategy review with both decision-makers present
- Request better communication and transparency from your agent if needed
🏠 Staying Put?
- No signs of dramatic house price falls, so your property value is likely holding steady
- Use this period to re-evaluate your mortgage deal, especially with current interest rate fluctuations
- If you’re planning a move in 2026, watch how this autumn shapes up. Strong market activity now can mean increased buyer demand in Q1 next year
🗓 Looking Ahead: What Could Influence the Rest of 2025?
- Interest Rates: Any changes to the base rate will affect buyer affordability
- Political Announcements: As we approach election season, housing policy may shift
- Winter Slowdown: Traditionally, November to January sees a dip in listings and viewings, so prepare early
🔚 Final Thought: You Create Your Own Market
One of the most valuable insights from this month’s data?
“Every seller can make the decision to create their own market through great pricing, great presentation, and great media.”
In today’s climate, well-prepared homes still sell well. But the market no longer rewards hopeful pricing or average presentation. Make your home the obvious choice, and buyers will follow.
Need Help Deciding Your Next Move?
If you're unsure whether now is the right time to list your property or you're curious about what your home is worth in today’s market, the Avocado Property team is here to help.
✅ Free, no-obligation valuation
✅ Honest advice tailored to your situation
✅ Friendly, expert local agents who care
📍 Visit www.avocadoproperty.co.uk to book your free valuation today.