September 2026 Property Market Insights

 

September has brought a change of direction for the property market. After several months of falling asking prices, the latest figures show a modest increase as buyers and sellers return from their summer break. But does this mean the market is picking up again?

While the rise in asking prices is encouraging, there are still some challenges for anyone hoping to sell. Buyers have more properties to choose from than they have had at this time of year for over a decade, and higher mortgage rates continue to influence what people can afford.

For homeowners in Neasden, Dollis Hill, Willesden and the surrounding areas of North West London, the latest figures highlight the importance of understanding what is happening locally, rather than relying on national property market headlines alone.

Here is what you need to know about the September property market and what it could mean for your next move.
 

Property Prices Are Rising Again, but There Is a Catch

According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, the average asking price of a newly listed property increased by 0.7% in September, adding £2,441 to the national average.
 

Average UK asking price, September 2026:

£367,440

+0.7% compared with August

Source: Rightmove House Price Index, September 2026.
 

This is the first monthly increase since May and slightly exceeds the typical September rise of 0.5% recorded over the past ten years.

The return of the school term and more familiar routines often prompts people to revisit their moving plans, making September an important month for the property market.

However, while asking prices have moved in a positive direction, the wider picture is more complicated.

The national average remains 0.8% below September 2025 and 2.3% lower than at the beginning of the summer.

In other words, September has brought some welcome movement, but it is too early to suggest that the market has returned to the conditions seen earlier in the year.

For homeowners considering selling, the important question is not simply whether national prices have increased, but how much buyers are prepared to pay for a property like theirs in today's market.
 

More Choice for Buyers, More Competition for Sellers

Imagine searching for a three-bedroom family home in North West London.

You find several properties in your preferred location, all offering similar accommodation, outdoor space and access to local transport links.

One is priced considerably higher than the others. Another has beautiful photographs, a well-presented interior and an asking price that compares favourably with nearby properties.

Which one would you arrange to view first?

This is the situation facing many sellers in the current market.

Rightmove reports that there are more properties available for sale than at any September in the past 12 years. Meanwhile, the number of buyers making enquiries is 9% lower than during the same period last year.

For buyers, the increased availability of homes provides more opportunities to explore different locations, compare prices and find a property that meets their needs.

For sellers, it means that simply putting a property on the market and waiting for enquiries may not be enough.

Your home needs to give buyers a compelling reason to choose it over the competition.

That begins with understanding who is most likely to be interested in your property and making sure its asking price, presentation and marketing appeal to those buyers.

A family searching in Dollis Hill may be particularly interested in the proximity to Gladstone Park, local schools and transport connections. Someone looking for a flat in Neasden may place greater importance on convenience, commuting times and the overall cost of moving.

The better a property is positioned for its intended market, the greater its opportunity to attract meaningful interest.
 

Why Your Initial Asking Price Matters

It can be tempting to put your property on the market at a higher price than you expect to achieve, particularly if you are not in a hurry to move.

After all, you can always reduce it later, can't you?

While that is certainly an option, an ambitious asking price can sometimes work against you.

Buyers searching online will often compare several homes before deciding which ones are worth viewing. If your property appears expensive compared with similar alternatives, it may be overlooked before they have even stepped through the front door.

Reducing the price several weeks later does not necessarily recreate the attention a property could have received when it first launched.

Rightmove's latest figures show that 74% of homes sold so far this year did not require an asking price reduction.

This highlights the value of establishing a realistic asking price from the beginning.

Of course, getting the price right does not mean accepting less than your property is worth. It means considering what comparable homes have recently sold for, what else is currently available and how buyers are responding to properties in your area.

At Hoopers Estate Agents, we understand that every home has its own selling points, whether that is a generous garden, a convenient location, an extended living space or the potential for a buyer to make it their own.

Our role is to help you understand how those features translate into value in the current North West London property market.
 

What Is Happening in the London Property Market?

National property market figures are useful for understanding wider trends, but they can only tell us so much about what is happening closer to home.

Rightmove's September report highlights substantial regional differences in the proportion of properties finding a buyer.

In Scotland, this figure stands at 91%, compared with 71% in the North West of England and 56% in the South East.

In London, the figure is considerably lower, at 42%.

These figures suggest that sellers in London are operating in a particularly competitive market, where attracting the right buyer can require a more considered approach.

However, it is important not to treat London as one single property market.

The type of home, its location and the price bracket in which it sits can all influence the level of interest it receives.

A substantial family home near Gladstone Park may appeal to a very different group of buyers from a first-time buyer's flat close to Neasden station.

Even properties on neighbouring roads can attract different levels of interest depending on their condition, layout, outside space and asking price.

For homeowners across NW2, NW10, NW9 and HA9, this makes an accurate, locally informed property valuation particularly valuable.

Understanding what is happening in your immediate area will give you a much clearer picture of your property's potential than national averages alone.
 

Mortgage Rates Remain an Important Consideration

For many buyers, the decision to move ultimately comes down to one question: can I comfortably afford the monthly repayments?

Mortgage rates have increased again over the past month, adding further pressure to household budgets.

According to Rightmove's daily mortgage tracker, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has risen from 5.09% in August to 5.29% in September.

This is considerably higher than the 4.25% average recorded earlier in the year, before the escalation of the conflict in Iran at the end of February.

Higher borrowing costs can affect the amount buyers are willing or able to offer, particularly those purchasing their first home or moving to a larger property.

However, the average mortgage rate is not necessarily the rate an individual buyer will be offered.

The deposit available, mortgage term, personal financial circumstances and lender criteria can all influence borrowing options.

If you are thinking about buying, understanding your budget before beginning your property search can help you focus on homes that are genuinely affordable.

For sellers, it is equally important to recognise that buyers are often making careful financial decisions.

A property that is realistically priced and clearly demonstrates its value may be more appealing to buyers who are balancing their aspirations against their monthly budget.
 

What Does This Mean for Sellers in North West London?

September has provided some encouraging signs for the property market, but a seasonal increase in asking prices does not automatically translate into a quicker sale or a higher offer for every homeowner.

With more properties available and buyers remaining mindful of affordability, preparation and realistic expectations are essential.

If you are considering selling your home in Neasden, Dollis Hill, Willesden or the surrounding areas, it is worth thinking about how your property will compare with others currently on the market.

Could a fresh coat of paint make your home feel brighter? Would decluttering help buyers appreciate the available space? Are there particular features, such as a recently renovated kitchen, a generous garden or excellent transport connections, that deserve greater attention in your marketing?

Sometimes, relatively small changes can make a significant difference to how buyers perceive a property.

Professional photography and effective marketing can help capture their attention, but the asking price must also reflect what buyers are willing to pay.

At Hoopers Estate Agents, we take the time to understand your property, your circumstances and what you hope to achieve from your move.

By combining our knowledge of the local market with a considered approach to pricing and marketing, we can help you make informed decisions about how and when to bring your home to market.
 

Planning Your Next Move This Autumn?

Whether you are looking for more space, thinking about downsizing or considering relocating, autumn can be a good opportunity to review your property plans.

The latest figures show that buyers are still active, but with so many homes competing for their attention, understanding your property's current value is an important first step.

If you are considering selling in Neasden or the surrounding areas of North West London, the team at Hoopers Estate Agents would be happy to discuss your options.

Contact Hoopers Estate Agents today to arrange your property valuation and discover how we can help you make your next move.

02084 501633
[email protected]

Source: Rightmove House Price Index, September 2026. National and regional figures provide an overview of wider property market conditions and should not be taken as an indication of the value or saleability of an individual property in North West London.