UK Property Market Round-Up: Signs of Autumn Activity

🏡 UK Property Market Round-Up: Signs of Autumn Activity as Buyers and Sellers Return

The UK property market has seen several important developments in recent weeks, with signs of renewed activity as we head into autumn, alongside continued changes for buyers, sellers and landlords.

As we move towards the final few months of 2026, the UK property market continues to present a mixed but increasingly interesting picture.

The latest figures show that house prices remain relatively stable, buyer activity has started to pick up following the summer, rents continue to rise and the Government has announced plans for a new scheme aimed at helping some first-time buyers.

Here’s our round-up of some of the key property news from the past two weeks.

🔷 House prices rise in latest official figures

The latest UK House Price Index, published by HM Land Registry, showed that average UK house prices increased by 0.7% between June and July 2026, with annual growth standing at 1.4%.

The average UK property was valued at around £273,000.

Interestingly for homeowners across the region, the East Midlands recorded the strongest monthly price increase of any English region, with prices rising by 1.7% between June and July.

While one month’s figures shouldn’t be viewed in isolation, the regional figures highlight the importance of looking beyond national averages when considering the performance of the property market.

For homeowners in Derbyshire, local market conditions can differ considerably from the national picture depending on location, property type and price bracket.

📈 Signs of an autumn bounce

There have also been encouraging signs of increased activity following the quieter summer months.

Rightmove reported that average asking prices for newly listed properties increased by 0.7% in September, reaching £367,440. This was the first monthly increase since May and slightly above the typical September increase recorded over the previous decade.

The increase comes as buyers and sellers return to the market following the summer holidays.

Earlier September data from Rightmove also showed buyer demand increasing by 5% during the first week of September, considerably higher than the average 0.4% increase seen during the same period over the previous five years.

The East Midlands recorded a 6% increase in buyer demand during that first week.

While demand remains below last year’s levels, the stronger-than-usual September bounce provides some encouragement as the traditional autumn selling season gets underway.

🏠 More choice for buyers

One of the interesting features of the current market is the amount of property available to buyers.

Rightmove reports that the number of homes available for sale is currently at a 12-year high for this time of year.

For buyers, greater choice can mean more opportunity to find the right property, while for sellers it reinforces the importance of getting the asking price right and presenting a property effectively from the outset.

This is a different environment from the highly competitive market experienced in some parts of the country a few years ago, and buyers and sellers may therefore have more time to consider their options.

💷 Bank Rate remains at 3.75%

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted in September to maintain Bank Rate at 3.75%.

The rate has remained at this level since December 2025.

For homeowners with tracker or other variable-rate mortgages linked to Bank Rate, the decision provides some short-term stability. However, mortgage rates themselves are influenced by wider financial markets as well as the Bank Rate.

Rightmove reported that average two-year and five-year fixed mortgage rates were both around 5.39% on 17 September, meaning affordability remains an important consideration for people planning a move.

For anyone considering moving home or remortgaging, understanding the full range of costs and available mortgage options remains important.

🏠 Rental market continues to grow

The rental market has also remained active.

The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that average private rents increased by 3.8% in the 12 months to August 2026, reaching an average of £1,400 per month across the UK.

In England, average rents increased by 4.0%, reaching £1,459 per month.

Separate research from Zoopla published in September also found that the number of homes available to rent had fallen by 3% compared with a year earlier, while the number of new homes coming onto the rental market was down 6%.

Zoopla reported that there were an average of 5.3 enquiries per rental property, the highest level for almost two years.

For landlords, these figures highlight the continued importance of understanding local rental values and ensuring properties are competitively positioned within their local market.

🔑 New support announced for first-time buyers

One of the most significant announcements of the past fortnight came from the Government, which confirmed plans for a new ‘Your First Home’ scheme.

The proposed scheme, which is due to be confirmed at the October Budget, is expected to allow eligible first-time buyers purchasing participating new-build homes to access a 2.5% deposit, supported by a 20% government-backed equity loan.

The scheme is intended to help people who may otherwise struggle to build a sufficient deposit, with further details including income and property price limits expected at the Budget.

If introduced as announced, the scheme could provide another route onto the property ladder for some first-time buyers, particularly those who have sufficient income to support a mortgage but find raising a larger deposit difficult.

🔷 What does it all mean for the property market?

Taken together, the latest news paints a picture of a market that is showing signs of renewed activity, but remains price- and affordability-sensitive.

There are encouraging indicators: official house prices have continued to show annual growth, the East Midlands recorded particularly strong monthly growth in the latest regional figures, buyer activity has picked up as people return from the summer and the autumn market has begun with a rise in asking prices.

At the same time, mortgage costs remain an important consideration and buyers have more choice, with property stock at a high level.

For sellers, this means accurate pricing and effective marketing remain particularly important.

For buyers, greater choice could provide opportunities to take more time over what they purchase and negotiate from a more considered position.

And for landlords, continued rental growth and strong tenant demand underline the importance of keeping rental values and property management under regular review.

📍 Looking ahead in Derbyshire

The next few months could be an interesting period for the Derbyshire property market as buyers and sellers who paused their plans over the summer return to the market.

With a wide variety of property across Derby, Belper, Duffield, Allestree, Mickleover, Chellaston and surrounding villages, local conditions can vary significantly from the national picture.

That is why understanding what is happening in your particular area and property type is so important when deciding whether to buy, sell or let.

🏡 Thinking about moving?

If you’ve been considering a move but have been waiting to see how the market develops, the latest figures provide plenty to think about.

The autumn market is now underway, and whether you’re looking to buy your first home, sell your current property, move to your next home or review your rental investment, understanding the current value of your property is a useful place to start.

Figures and information correct at the time of writing, 29 September 2026. Property markets can vary significantly by location and property type, so national and regional statistics should be considered alongside local market conditions.

If you would like tailored advice about buying, selling, mortgages or investing locally, get in touch with your nearest Hannells branch or arrange a free, no-obligation property valuation today.