Property Review - September 2026
Thank you Howard Davis for writing this article. Howard is Managing Directory of Howard Independent East Agents.
What’s next for the Bristol housing market?
Howard discusses who benefits in the current property market.
This autumn a new prime minister will stand at the dispatch box, and a new housing minister will take her place on the front bench. As parliament returns, they face a housing market grappling with stubbornly high mortgage rates, inflation weighing on confidence, concerns over stamp duty and potential mansion taxes, and an antiquated conveyancing system that frustrates buyers and sellers and stifles mobility.
There is little buyers and sellers can do about these wider economic and political issues. But there are things they can control — and, for one group in particular, the current market conditions are surprisingly favourable.
House prices may be showing only flat to modest growth, but buyer demand is improving and the level of available stock remains relatively high. This is not a booming market, but it offers opportunity.
So, who benefits this autumn?
The first thing to remember is that the property market rarely favours buyers and sellers equally at the same time. Right now, the balance of power points firmly towards one group: buyers. A healthy supply of available homes gives purchasers more choice and, importantly, greater negotiating power. For those prepared to do their homework and negotiate, this autumn could prove an attractive buying window.
So how can buyers maximise that leverage? Cash remains king, but so does a complete and straightforward chain. Sellers are more likely to favour buyers who can demonstrate certainty and speed.
There is also value in looking beyond the newest listings. Properties that have been on the market for three months or more — particularly those that have already had a price reduction or where a previous sale has fallen through — may present an opportunity. In these circumstances sellers can be more motivated to reach a deal. Much of this information is available through the major property portals. Buyers should use it. Do the research, understand the property’s history and, above all, understand the seller’s position before making an offer.
And what about sellers?
Sellers should by now recognise that this is not a market where ambitious asking prices are likely to be rewarded.
If you want to attract a buyer in the current market, your asking price needs to show you mean business. Pricing directly affects both interest and time on the market, and the longer a property sits unsold the more difficult it can be to maintain its perceived value. The objective should be simple: price appropriately and aim for the shortest possible time on the market.
Looking further ahead, we anticipate a slow recovery rather than a boom or a crash. The fundamentals point to a gradual improvement in activity as affordability becomes less restrictive and confidence returns. For the next few months, however, the property market could offer a favourable buying environment. Sellers have endured a relatively difficult summer, while the amount of available stock is increasing. Buyers currently have something they lacked during the boom years: choice. And choice creates leverage.
So, to the sixth prime minister and eleventh housing secretary in ten years we say: please tread carefully with the property market. You may think you are playing with the economy. We know you are playing with our lives.
