Mews market reflections: Preparing for an active Sales market
With buyer activity increasing, we look at what the changing market could mean for those in the Sales market this autumn.
Lurot Brand is pleased to report increased activity from buyers following the summer holidays. We are also noticing a greater sense of urgency among those who have been searching the sales market since early 2026 and are now ready to make informed decisions, having either seen enough properties or missed out on opportunities during the year. It is also encouraging to see that, despite continued volatility in mortgage rates, significantly more mortgage buyers are entering the market this year compared with last year, adding further competition to cash buyers.
With less speculation surrounding the October Budget than in previous years, we expect the autumn market to be a busy one. The new Prime Minister has also played down plans to remove Stamp Duty and replace it with an annual Property Tax, which had previously contributed to a wait-and-see mentality among buyers over the summer.
Changes to the Renters’ Rights Bill in spring 2026 saw a significant number of landlords choose to sell their properties. This increased the level of available properties for sale, leading to greater pricing sensitivity. This quarter, however, we have not experienced the same level of landlords moving into the sales market. This could help stabilise stock levels in the short term and create greater focus from buyers, who may have fewer properties to consider. Moreover, conversations with prospective tenants suggest that some are finding less rental stock available and facing higher rental prices. As a result, some are choosing to consider purchasing instead, taking advantage of the available sales stock and current property prices.
Property portal Rightmove recently reported a 5% increase in buyer demand since 20th July. If mortgage rates begin to fall, it is likely there could be some pent-up demand in the market.
With this in mind, we recommend having all marketing materials, including professional photography, floorplans and property particulars, prepared in advance. This allows a property to be brought to market swiftly when conditions are favourable, ensuring sellers are well positioned to capture the attention of motivated buyers.
With buyer activity increasing, mortgage purchasers returning in greater numbers and available stock potentially becoming more constrained, the coming quarter could provide a valuable window for well-prepared sellers. At Lurot Brand, our focus remains on ensuring that our clients are ready to respond quickly and strategically as market conditions continue to evolve.
Looking to buy or sell a mews home? Contact sales@lurotbrand.co.uk to discover on- and off-market opportunities with Lurot Brand.
