As we head towards September, we’re starting to see the autumn property market come back into focus across Worthing, Ferring, Broadwater and the surrounding areas.
It’s not a sudden rush, and we certainly wouldn’t describe the market as frantic. But there are signs that buyer activity is beginning to pick up after the quieter summer months and that’s something homeowners who have been sitting on the fence should be paying attention to.
The latest figures from Zoopla show that searches for homes are now 7% higher than they were a year ago, the strongest annual increase in property searches for 12 months.
That’s encouraging, but what does it actually mean for someone thinking about selling a home in Worthing?
Quite simply, more people are looking.
That doesn’t mean buyers have stopped being cautious. We’re still seeing buyers think carefully about affordability, mortgage rates and value for money. They are comparing properties closely and, with plenty of choice available, they can afford to be selective.
And that’s the important bit.
There are now 5% more homes for sale nationally than a year ago, while Rightmove has reported that the number of properties available in August is higher than at this time of year since 2014.
We’re seeing the impact of that locally too.
Whether you’re selling a flat close to Worthing seafront, a family home in Broadwater or Goring, a bungalow in Salvington, or a property in Ferring, buyers have plenty of opportunities to compare one home against another.
So simply being on the market isn’t enough. Your property needs to stand out.
The first few weeks of a launch can be particularly important. Good photography, strong presentation, accurate pricing and compelling marketing all play a part in creating the initial interest that can lead to viewings and, ultimately, offers.
And this is where we think September could be an interesting month. If you’ve been thinking about selling but decided to wait until after the summer, now is a good time to review your plans.
How does your property compare with the competition currently on the market?
Is your asking price realistic?
Does your presentation make the right first impression online?
Are your photographs and marketing doing the property justice?
And, perhaps most importantly, have you had an honest conversation with someone who understands what buyers are actually doing in the local market?
We also think homeowners deserve a more realistic conversation than simply being told, “Now is the perfect time to sell.”
The truth is more nuanced.
Buyer interest is improving, but buyers remain price conscious. There is more competition between sellers, and the homes that are well presented, correctly priced and properly marketed are giving themselves the best chance of attracting attention.
That’s the conversation we’ll be having with homeowners across Worthing, Ferring and the surrounding villages as we head into autumn.
If you’ve been wondering whether September could be the right time to sell, you don’t need to make a decision today.
Come and have a chat with us.
We’ll look at what’s happening around you, what similar properties are achieving, what you’re competing against and where we think your property sits in the current market.
No pressure. No over-inflated valuation designed simply to win your instruction. Just honest, local property advice from people who live and breathe the Worthing market.
Because sometimes the best time to make a move is not when everyone else is doing it.
It’s when the conditions are starting to improve, and before the competition gets even stronger.
Thinking about selling this autumn? Talk to James & James.
