Does the Property Market Really Pick Up in September?

And what should you do now if you are thinking of selling in Edgware?

You’ll often hear it said that the housing market quietens down over the summer holiday period but wakes up in September – but is it true? What do the numbers say?

As the end of the school break comes to an end, it’s a useful time not only to look at what the data shows us about the September property market, but also to offer some tips about what you should be thinking about right now if you are an Edgware homeowner considering selling your home.

September Surge: Myth or Reality?

Seasonal data does indicate an autumn uptick. Rightmove figures show that asking prices have increased in September in all but three years since 2001. The typical rise is around 0.6% month-on-month.

But it is not only a property price phenomenon. Activity itself also tends to pick up once the holidays are over. In fact, new listings jump as soon as September begins. Rightmove has reported that the number of new properties coming to market in the first week of September can be around 12% higher than the weekly average in August.

But it’s not just the number of property sellers that jump. Figures show that buyer demand responds in kind, with more inquiries and viewings in September as people refocus on home-searching.

Industry experts frequently observe a busier autumn compared to summer, for reasons we have discussed in a previous article – that is to say, routine returning for one, and house-hunters imposing a deadline on themselves to get the job done ‘by the end of the year’.

Recent Property Data Findings

Last year provides a good case study. In September 2024, asking prices increased by 0.8% from the previous month – ahead of the long-term average pace for the time of year.

The average asking price hit £370,759, driven by a rebound in buyer demand alongside improving mortgage conditions, according to a report by Buy Association Group.

Why Does the Market Pick Up in Early Autumn?

Let’s take a look in a little more detail.

• No More Holiday Distractions: Many potential movers – particularly those with children off school for 6 weeks or more – do choose to take a break over July and August. Come September, however, buyers and sellers who put off plans jump back into the market. Focus returns to property needs once the new school year starts, as families settle into routines. This seasonal mentality often leads to a burst of listings and renewed buyer house-hunting.
• End of Year Push: Autumn is a “last chance” for those hoping to move within the year. Buyers in September and October are often motivated to find a new home and be moved in by the time the market closes down towards the end of December. Likewise, sellers who have the same ambitions for moving this year often revise their prices to become more competitive now, or price keenly if new to the market. This mutual urgency can spur negotiations and deals in the early autumn months – although with conveyancing taking longer than people imagine (and longer than it did historically), the window is quite short to expect to secure a buyer and still move by mid-December.
• Better Presentation: Homes and gardens can look especially appealing in early autumn, with late-blooming plants and autumn colours creeping in that will look superb in those professional property photographs. Good natural light and generally good weather in September also help with viewings (before the clocks change and evenings get dark). All of this can encourage more activity – and this is perhaps why we see more optimism in sellers’ pricing than later in the year as winter starts to bite.
• Market Sentiment: There is often a sense of a “new start” in September, economically speaking. Retail and hospitality sector figures tend to be positive after a summer, which means consumer confidence tends to be higher, supporting those seasonal peaks in housing activity. This autumn, with the Bank of England interest base rate cut on August 7, mortgages will feel a little more affordable than they were, lending some extra flavour to the mix – although we need to be cautious when predicting more cuts this year as inflation is still high, and the forthcoming Budget is adding a sense of uncertainty.

In summary, the data supports the idea of a “September Uptick”. While spring remains the strongest season overall, it would look like a longer, steady curve on a graph; the early autumn consistently ranks as a second peak for the housing market, but looks much more like a steep spike, that then drops away quickly after peaking. This is why, if you have thoughts of moving home in Edgware over the next few months, now is the best time to act.

What Should Edgware Homeowners Be Doing Now?

As the summer holiday ran its course, property listings here in Edgware had begun to drop off – meaning that at the beginning of September there are currently a total of 475 properties listed for sale, having dropped from over 600 at the beginning of August – just over a 20% drop.

Just over 200 properties are currently sold subject to contract – 30% of the total market, so whilst listing numbers might have fallen, buyer activity looks strong.

It’s the sign of a fairly robust local market compared to other parts, with the average asking price in Edgware currently now sitting at just over £546,000 according to Rightmove.

If you’re a local Edgware homeowner wondering how to time your move or respond to market conditions, here are some tips based on the current insights:

• Take Advantage of Autumn Demand: If you are thinking of selling, now (early autumn) is a compelling window of opportunity. Buyer activity is on the rise seasonally, and there’s a cohort of purchasers keen to secure homes before the year is out. Listing your property in September or early October means you can tap into this increased pool of buyers while they’re actively searching. Waiting beyond October could mean running into the typical winter slowdown, when many buyers and sellers begin to drop out until the new year.
• Price Realistically from the Start: Although we know house prices are likely to jump by an average of 0.6% in September, it doesn’t mean you should ask an unrealistic price. The latest data shows that overpriced listings are being reduced heavily in order to sell. Currently more than one-third of properties on the market have had a price reduction, with an average cut of around 6% off the initial price. To avoid missing out on the September surge, work with your agent on a sensible pricing strategy that reflects the market. Well-priced homes are attracting serious buyers and, in many cases, still selling faster than in 2019 (that last pre-pandemic year that we still look at as a reflection of a ‘normal’ market). The goal should still be to generate strong interest early, when your home is “fresh” on the market – especially if the objective is to ‘move by New Year’.
• Spruce Up Your Home’s Autumn Appeal: Little things can help your property stand out in autumn.

Make sure the front garden is tidy and if leaves do start to drop – and they may drop early after this hot, dry summer – be mindful to get that broom out and get sweeping! Especially before viewings. Kerb appeal should go beyond just the professional photos.

Consider adding some seasonal plants or warm touches to create a welcoming vibe – even if it’s something as simple as a vase of fresh flowers. Daylight hours will shorten quickly – it’s already dark out well before 9pm now, when we were only a month ago sitting out in the back garden round a dying barbecue towards 10pm! So, ensure you have good interior lighting for any late-day viewings (in September, less of a problem, but as October takes hold bear it in mind and schedule daytime viewings if possible). A home that feels bright, well-maintained, and cozy against the autumn chill can leave a great impression on buyers. Remember, autumn itself is fast approaching and memories of summer will quickly fade – so with gardens and trees beginning to turn to browns and oranges early, don’t be afraid to highlight those features in your professional photos.

• Be Ready and Responsive: With motivated buyers aiming to move by the end of the year, the pace in autumn can be brisk – so be prepared. Get your paperwork sorted early; why not instruct a solicitor in advance, and have documents ready so you can move quickly if an attractive offer comes in?

Flexibility on viewing times can also help. Remember, as evenings get darker, some buyers may only be free on weekends or lunchtimes, so try to accommodate where you can. A proactive approach can turn autumn interest into a solid offer while the momentum is there.

• Consult Local Experts: While national trends are informative, property markets are ultimately local. This September jump can vary by area and even by property type. It makes sense to speak with a reputable local estate agent who knows local neighbourhood dynamics. They can advise on recent comparable sales and buyer demand in your specific area, helping you set the right asking price and marketing strategy for an autumn sale. As Rightmove’s own analyst puts it, market conditions can vary considerably by location, so local insight is key to a successful sale.
• Consider the Broader Market Outlook: Beyond the seasonal angle, keep an eye on mortgage rates and economic news. Currently, inflation and interest rate trends are crucial. The good news is that mortgage rates have stabilised and over recent months have begun to drop, improving affordability. This has already brought some buyers back to the market.

If, as many forecast, rates do continue to ease that little bit further through the tail end of 2025, selling sooner rather than later could mean beating a potential uplift in competition, as more sellers may choose to list if it becomes more widely reported that rates have dropped.

On the flip side, if you’re not in a rush, you might see even more buyers entering the market next spring due to those improving conditions – but there’s no guarantee, and prices could of course adjust in the meantime. Therefore, the advice is, weigh your personal circumstances, whilst nevertheless paying attention to these trends. If moving now suits you better, the data suggests that September is likely to be a positive month in the market cycle, with a probable bounce in price, buyer numbers and transaction volume.

Some Final Thoughts

September is a key month for the property market, and the statistics back that up. Edgware homeowners can capitalise on it, if a move is on the cards. From the data we can see a clear pattern of increased activity and modest price gains as the summer comes to a close and the autumn market kicks off, driven by buyers and sellers returning with renewed motivation. If you’re a homeowner looking to sell, leveraging this period – with realistic expectations and good preparation – could help you secure a buyer while the market is buzzing. With the right approach, you really can make the most of the seasonal swing in the housing market to still make your move work this year.

Even if you’re not thinking of selling at this moment, it’s useful to know that valuations and demand in your area might firm up a bit in early autumn, before the usual winter cooling. As always, stay informed with the latest local data and professional advice by staying tuned to our social media channels and to our Edgware Edge blog.