📊 September Market Update: Buyer Demand Builds, But Sales Delays Persist
New figures from Propertymark show encouraging signs for sellers, with more buyers entering the market—but the sales process is still being slowed by long transaction timelines.
In September, the average estate agency branch registered 73 new house hunters—up from previous months—highlighting a renewed appetite to buy. Viewings per available property also increased to 2.3, suggesting buyers remain engaged despite market uncertainties.
🏠 Sales Activity Holds Steady
Each branch listed an average of nine properties for sale during the month, and total buyer registrations across all stages rose to 111 per branch. While this points to a healthy level of demand, longer completion times are causing frustration. Nearly 36% of transactions took more than 17 weeks to finalise, underlining the need for a more efficient process.
🏡 Lettings Market Tightens
The lettings side showed signs of strain. The average number of rental homes available per branch dipped slightly to 12.47. Fewer new managed properties came to market, and there was a minor increase in rent arrears, with 2.6% of agents reporting late payments.
📣 What the Experts Say
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented:
“The latest insights present a promising outlook in terms of buyer activity and rental interest, but underlying issues persist. Improving transactional efficiency and increasing housing stock across both sales and lettings are critical to sustaining this momentum.”
He also noted that without more stock and investment in the sales process, market growth may be held back by affordability issues and delays.
📍 Herne Bay Market View
Locally in Herne Bay and surrounding areas, we’re seeing similar trends—active buyers are ready to move, but the speed of transactions and availability of homes (particularly rentals) remains a challenge.
If you’re thinking of selling or letting your property, now is a great time to prepare—while demand is strong and before winter traditionally slows activity.
