Autumn Sales Market 2026: Buyer demand picks up

The summer holidays are over, schools are back and property plans are firmly back on the agenda.

New data from Rightmove points to a stronger-than-usual start to September, with buyer demand increasing by 5% during the first week of the month. That compares with an average rise of just 0.4% over the same week during the previous five years.

It’s an encouraging shift as we enter the traditionally busier autumn property market – and one we’re seeing closer to home across Sheffield and Chesterfield too.

The September reset is real

September often brings renewed activity to the property market. Summer holidays come to an end, families return to their usual routines and moving plans that may have been put on hold begin to resurface.

This year, however, that return has been considerably stronger than usual.

Rightmove’s figures show buyer demand increased across every region of Great Britain during the first week of September, suggesting the uplift isn’t confined to one particular part of the country.

We’re seeing it here too

The national picture reflects what our Redbrik teams are seeing across Sheffield, Dronfield and Chesterfield, with a noticeable increase in enquiries and viewing activity since the beginning of September.

David Cooper, Director at Redbrik, said:

The change in activity since the start of September has been really noticeable. Online viewing requests have increased significantly and we’ve seen a real surge in incoming calls from buyers wanting to arrange viewings and discuss properties.

What’s particularly encouraging is that it isn’t limited to one part of the market. We’re seeing renewed interest across everything from first homes and family houses to apartments and investment properties. Buyers are definitely back searching.

It’s still early in the autumn market, but more buyers searching, making enquiries and arranging viewings provides an encouraging backdrop for anyone considering bringing their home to market.

More buyers. But more choice too.

There is, however, another important part of the picture.

The number of homes available for sale remains at a 12-year high, giving today’s buyers plenty of choice.

For sellers, that means increased buyer activity is welcome, but there is no room for complacency. Buyers can compare more properties across different locations, price points and property types, making it increasingly important for a home to capture their attention from the outset.

Getting the asking price right, presenting a property at its best and investing in marketing that gets it seen can all make a significant difference to the level of interest generated during those crucial opening weeks.

In a market where buyers have options, the strongest possible launch matters.

What does this mean for sellers?

For homeowners who spent the summer considering a move, the renewed activity in September provides an opportunity to revisit those plans.

But understanding the local market is key. The amount of competing stock, recent sales, current buyer demand and how similar properties are performing should all inform the strategy before a property reaches the market.

Launching at an ambitious asking price simply to test buyer appetite can be particularly risky when buyers have plenty of alternatives. Pricing accurately from the outset helps a property compete effectively while it is fresh to the market and buyer interest is at its highest.

And price is only part of the equation. Professional photography, video, carefully considered property marketing and exposure to the right audiences all play their part in helping a home stand out.

And what about buyers?

For buyers, greater choice combined with renewed autumn activity can bring plenty of opportunity.

If your property search took a back seat over the summer, September is a good time to reassess what’s available, review your position and make sure you’re ready when the right home appears.

And don’t make the property portals your only search. Registering your requirements directly with estate agents means they know what you’re looking for and can introduce suitable properties as they become available – potentially before they reach the wider market.

The Redbrik view

One week of data doesn’t determine where the market goes next, but a 5% rise in buyer demand against a five-year average of just 0.4% is an encouraging start to autumn.

What matters is understanding that renewed demand in context. Buyers are back searching, but they also have more property to choose from.

For sellers, accurate pricing, strong presentation and considered marketing from the very start remain crucial to achieving the best possible result.

If moving is back on your agenda this autumn, our sales teams across Sheffield, Chesterfield and Crystal Peaks are here to help you understand your local market and plan your next move.

Find out more about selling with Redbrik →

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