Estate agents across the South East have described autumn 2026 as sensible rather than spectacular. Stamp duty thresholds were not moving on 28 October, so there was little to gain by holding back for a tax deadline. Chains, however, remain fragile: every extra week of hesitation is another week something can wobble.
UK HPI showed annual growth slowing, with London still the weakest English region on several monthly prints. That does not mean Crawley or East Grinstead are in free fall. It means buyers have more choice than in 2021–22, and vendors who ignore comparable sales will feel it on viewing numbers.
First-time buyers and movers who need to transact are still active. The homes that sell are the ones that look like the brochure, cost what the street will bear, and come with a clear chain story.
Demo article for the Greenaway website. Figures drawn from publicly reported ONS, UK HPI and industry coverage during 2026. This is not personal financial or legal advice.