Properties listed in summer can sometimes underperform, despite good presentation and a strong market. Seasonal distractions, an increase in listings, and shifting buyer behaviour often result in fewer offers than expected during the warmer months.
As autumn approaches, buyer activity tends to increase. With clearer routines, renewed focus, and a desire to complete before year-end, many purchasers return to the market with serious intent.
This period presents a valuable opportunity to reassess your sale strategy and relaunch your property with renewed momentum. If your property hasn’t sold yet, now is the perfect time to reset, refresh and move forward with confidence.
Here’s how to give your sale a second wind.
Related: 9 quick home staging tips for autumn
Why the summer market can stall
Summer has its advantages: longer days, blooming gardens and more flexible schedules. But for many buyers, it also brings distractions.
- Family holidays, school breaks and heatwaves mean fewer viewings
- Many buyers put their plans on hold until routines return in September
- The market can get crowded with listings, making it harder for individual homes to stand out
Recent figures from Zoopla show that although sales agreed were up 5% year-on-year in July 2025, the number of homes available was at its highest since 2019. Buyers simply have more choice.
The balance of supply and demand can also impact decision-making. In a market flooded with similar listings, buyers may take longer to make up their minds or wait for price reductions. And in some cases, homes that don’t immediately attract attention may be overlooked entirely.
Quick ways to refresh your listing for autumn
If your home’s been online for a while, a few simple changes can make it feel brand new again.
Update your photography
Seasonal updates go a long way. Replace photos that look too bright, sun-drenched or obviously summery. Add some warm lighting, neutral tones and inviting touches that suit the season.
Tidy the garden and entrance
Make sure your kerb appeal is still strong. Sweep up any leaves, trim hedges, clean windows and make sure your front door is welcoming.
Related: Making the most of a small garden
Rework your listing description
Does your description highlight what makes your home stand out? Focus on lifestyle and emotional connection, not just specs and measurements. If you’re near a great school, quiet park or local cafe, mention it.
Price check
According to Zoopla, homes that undergo a price cut of 5% or more take nearly three times longer to sell. Properties priced accurately from the outset sell faster and often attract more competitive offers.
If your home hasn’t had meaningful interest, it may be worth revisiting your asking price. An updated valuation based on current local data can help you realign with buyer expectations.
Ask for feedback
If you’ve had viewings but no offers, review the feedback carefully. Comments about layout, presentation or condition can highlight areas worth improving. A small change, like updating a dated kitchen unit or refreshing the paintwork, could make all the difference.
Related: Related: Summer selling for an autumn move
Should you switch estate agents?
If your property has been on the market for a while with little communication or strategy change, you may be questioning whether you’re with the right agent. Switching agents can feel like a big decision, but in some cases, it’s necessary.
Signs it might be time to switch:
- Your property hasn’t had recent viewings
- There’s been little or no communication
- Marketing hasn’t changed since day one
- You feel unsure what’s happening behind the scenes
Before switching, check the terms of your current contract. You may need to serve notice or avoid overlapping agreements to steer clear of dual fees.
When talking to a new agent, ask:
- What will you do differently?
- How often will you update me?
- Do you have active buyers looking for a home like mine?
Why Northwood can make the difference
At Northwood, we know that no two sellers are the same – and no two homes are either. That’s why our approach is always tailored to you.
With over 90 locally owned offices, our teams combine national reach with genuine local knowledge. We live and work in the communities we serve, which means we know what buyers in your area are really looking for.
Here’s how we help your property stand out:
- Personalised valuations based on current local data
- Professional photography and clear, compelling listings
- Multi-channel marketing, including portals, social media and email
- Honest feedback after every viewing
- A dedicated expert to keep you updated throughout
We also offer flexible options, including our Guaranteed Rent service for landlords and specialist advice for vendors looking to upsize, downsize or relocate.
We don’t just list homes, we build strategies to sell them. That means strong pricing advice, timely communication, and marketing that’s built to connect with the right buyer at the right time.
Ready for a fresh start?
Autumn is the second busiest time of year for the housing market, and buyers right now are more focused and motivated. If your property didn’t sell over summer, that doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It just means it needs the right plan.
Whether you need a fresh listing, a sharper price or a new selling strategy, our local Northwood estate agents are here to help.
Book your free valuation with your local Northwood office. Let’s get your property moving again.
