Cutting Through The Headlines: Why there's still opportunity in today's property market

With recent headlines focusing on asking price reductions, mortgage rates and increased competition, it's easy to assume the property market is struggling. But look beyond the national figures, and there's a more encouraging story to tell for homeowners in Sheffield, Chesterfield and Dronfield.

The UK property market continues to move, with buyers actively searching for their next home and sales being agreed across the country.

While recent media coverage has focused heavily on the challenges facing sellers, the latest figures from Rightmove reveal a more balanced picture.

According to Rightmove's October 2026 House Price Index, the average asking price of a newly listed property increased by 1% this month to £371,015. Although prices remain virtually unchanged compared with October last year, the figures suggest a market that is adjusting rather than one experiencing widespread decline.

Closer to home, both Yorkshire & the Humber and the East Midlands recorded increases in average asking prices during October, demonstrating that there are still positive signs across the regions we serve.

For homeowners considering selling in Sheffield, Chesterfield or Dronfield, there's an important message behind these figures: buyers are still out there, and the right asking price, supported by a strong marketing strategy, can make all the difference.

The property market is still moving

Despite the negative headlines, people are still buying and selling homes.

Life doesn't stand still because market conditions change. Families need more space, homeowners downsize, people relocate for work and first-time buyers continue to take their first steps onto the property ladder.

What has changed is the level of choice available to buyers.

Rightmove reports that the number of homes for sale is at its highest level for this time of year since 2014. New properties coming to market have increased by 3%, while buyer enquiries are 9% lower than a year ago.

This means buyers can afford to be more selective, taking time to compare properties and consider what represents good value.

For sellers, this isn't necessarily bad news. It simply reinforces the importance of making your property stand out from the competition.

Homes that are priced appropriately, presented beautifully and marketed effectively are better positioned to attract serious buyers.

Why getting the asking price right matters

One of the most widely reported statistics this month concerns the number of properties undergoing asking price reductions.

According to Rightmove data reported by the BBC, sellers reduced the asking prices of more than 3,000 properties a day during September, the highest monthly total in 15 years.

Around 34% of properties currently for sale have experienced a price reduction, with the average adjustment approaching 7%.

While these figures have attracted attention, there's another statistic that tells a particularly important story.

Properties that sold without an asking price reduction took an average of just 39 days to find a buyer, compared with 119 days for those that required a reduction.

That's a significant difference.

It demonstrates the value of launching a property at an asking price that reflects current buyer demand, comparable sales and local market conditions.

Of course, achieving the best possible price remains the priority for any seller. But there's a difference between an ambitious asking price supported by market evidence and an inflated valuation designed simply to win an instruction.

At Redbrik, we believe that giving sellers honest, well-informed advice from the outset creates the strongest foundation for a successful sale.

The highest valuation isn't always the one that achieves the highest selling price.

What's happening in Sheffield, Chesterfield & Dronfield?

While national headlines often paint a single picture of the UK housing market, the latest regional figures offer a more encouraging perspective for homeowners across our area.

According to Rightmove's October 2026 House Price Index, average asking prices have increased across both Yorkshire & the Humber and the East Midlands.

In Yorkshire & the Humber, which includes Sheffield, average asking prices rose by 0.3% in October and remain 1.6% higher than a year ago.

Meanwhile, the East Midlands, which includes Chesterfield and Dronfield, recorded a monthly increase of 0.4%, with asking prices up 0.3% annually.

These figures demonstrate that, despite some of the more negative national headlines, there are still positive signs across the regions we serve.

Of course, property markets are rarely uniform.

Demand for a family home in Sheffield's south-west suburbs can be very different from demand for a first-time buyer property in Chesterfield or a detached home in Dronfield.

Even neighbouring streets can experience different levels of buyer interest depending on a property's specification, presentation, condition and asking price.

That's why understanding your local market is so important.

National and regional averages provide useful context, but they can't tell you what your individual property could achieve.

At Redbrik, our Property Consultants combine local market knowledge with recent comparable sales evidence and an understanding of current buyer demand to recommend an asking price and marketing strategy tailored to your home.

And with asking prices increasing across both regions, there's good reason for homeowners considering a move to explore their options with confidence.

Making the most of those all-important first few weeks

When a property first comes to market, it benefits from a valuable window of attention.

Buyers who have registered their requirements receive alerts, new listings appear in property searches and prospective purchasers begin comparing the latest homes available.

Making the most of that initial interest is essential.

Launching at an unrealistic asking price can mean missing opportunities to engage buyers who might otherwise have arranged a viewing.

And while reducing the asking price later can generate renewed interest, it doesn't always recreate the momentum of a brand-new listing.

A well-considered launch strategy gives sellers the best opportunity to attract interest early, generate viewings and secure a successful sale.

That doesn't mean undervaluing a property. Quite the opposite.

It's about identifying the price that will attract the right buyers and create the strongest opportunity to achieve the best possible result.

Great property marketing makes a difference

With buyers having more properties to choose from, presentation and marketing have become increasingly important.

The right photography can capture attention. A considered video tour can help buyers connect with a property before they visit. Accurate floor plans, engaging descriptions and a targeted digital marketing strategy can all contribute to generating meaningful enquiries.

But effective property marketing goes beyond creating an attractive listing.

It requires understanding the likely buyer, knowing how to reach them and actively following up on opportunities.

At Redbrik, we combine professional property marketing with local market knowledge, proactive buyer matching and an experienced sales team who understand how to position a property to its best advantage.

Our approach is designed to do more than generate views online.

We want to attract the right buyers, create genuine interest and achieve the best possible selling price for our clients.

Is now a good time to sell?

For homeowners considering a move, the latest market figures shouldn't be a reason to put plans on hold.

There are still motivated buyers searching for homes across Sheffield, Chesterfield and Dronfield, and properties continue to sell.

The key is understanding how your home fits into the current market and having a clear plan from the beginning.

A realistic, evidence-led valuation, excellent presentation and a proactive sales strategy can help you take advantage of the opportunities available.

And for homeowners who are both selling and buying, a market offering greater choice can also create opportunities when searching for their next property.

Ultimately, there's no single answer to whether it's the right time to move. That depends on your circumstances, your property and your plans.

But the headlines don't tell the whole story, and they certainly shouldn't be the only factor influencing your decision.

Thinking of selling? Let's talk.

If you're considering selling your home in Sheffield, Chesterfield or Dronfield, the best place to start is with a clear understanding of your property's current market value.

Our experienced Property Consultants can provide an honest, evidence-led valuation, explain buyer demand in your area and recommend a tailored marketing strategy designed to achieve the best possible result.

Don't let the headlines make your moving decisions for you.

Book your free property valuation with Redbrik →

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