selling a home in Berkshire Archives

A Market in Transition

The property market across the South East of England is going through a period of recalibration. After years of growth, average property prices have begun to soften slightly, largely due to continued affordability challenges. According to recent data, annual price growth in the South East now trails behind the national average, with only marginal movements seen in asking prices.

That said, this is not a market in decline, it’s one finding its balance.

What’s Shaping the Market?

Several key factors are at play:

Mortgage affordability: While interest rates have seen slight downward movement, typical two- and five-year fixed mortgage deals remain around 4–5%, which continues to impact buyer budgets.

More stock on the market: There’s been a notable increase in the number of properties available for both sale and rent. This creates greater choice for buyers and more competitive dynamics, especially in premium markets like the South East.

A regional divide: While parts of the North and Scotland are seeing renewed growth, the South East is taking a breather. Forecasts suggest this region may see more modest price growth around 19.5% between now and 2028 compared to faster-moving northern markets.

Local Outlook: Realism and Readiness

At Fisher and Partners, we’re seeing steady interest in well-located homes, particularly from buyers looking to act ahead of potential changes to stamp duty. Spring brought a welcome uptick in listings, and conveyancing times have improved. But realistic pricing remains key. Homes that align with buyer expectations on location, presentation, and value, are still generating strong interest.

What’s Next for the South East?

The coming months offer cautious optimism. The Bank of England has signalled further rate cuts may be on the horizon, and lenders are gradually improving terms. As a result, we expect transaction volumes to pick up, particularly in the commuter belt and family-friendly village markets, areas where demand remains resilient and lifestyle appeal is strong.

Thinking of Selling?

If you’re considering selling your home, this may be a timely opportunity. At Fisher and Partners, we offer a personal, one-to-one approach led by local experts who understand your market inside and out.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

If you’re preparing to bring your home to market this year, it’s well worth mastering the art of the perfect viewing. A well-executed viewing can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a successful sale and the best possible offer.

At Fisher and Partners, we know that viewings are one of the most crucial steps in the selling process. Most buyers won’t make a commitment without seeing the property in person, so the experience they have during their visit really matters.

Yet despite its importance, the viewing appointment is often overlooked. Some sellers simply open the door and let buyers roam freely. Others go the opposite way, offering an enthusiastic guided tour that ends up overwhelming rather than enticing.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. While a perfect viewing won’t convince someone to make an offer on a home they’re not interested in, it can enhance the experience, leave a memorable impression, and tip the balance for buyers who are on the fence.

Here are a few simple tips to help you perfect the process:

1. Plan a Route with Intention

Think about the journey you want your buyers to take through your home. Guide them in a way that shows off your property’s best features, whether that’s a sun-drenched kitchen, a cosy reading nook, or a beautiful garden view. Try to end the tour in the space that has the most visual or emotional impact. First impressions matter, but the final impression tends to linger.

2. Ease the Pressure

It’s natural to feel excited (or even a little anxious) during a viewing but avoid the temptation to ‘sell’ too hard. Think of it like a premium retail experience: if a shop assistant is too pushy, you’re likely to make a quick exit. Your home is the product here, and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere will allow viewers to take it all in without feeling uncomfortable or rushed.

3. Give Them Breathing Space

After your initial guided tour, give prospective buyers some time to explore on their own. This extra space helps them process what they’ve seen and imagine their own lives unfolding in the space. A second walk-around also gives them the chance to revisit areas of interest without distraction.

4. Be Mindful of What You Say

It’s completely normal to fill silences with chatter, especially when nerves kick in. But during viewings, less is often more. Keep conversation light and focused on the property. It’s not necessary to share personal stories or minor historical issues like that old roof leak from a decade ago (especially if it’s long since fixed). Allow the home to speak for itself.

Ultimately, buyers aren’t there to get to know you—they’re trying to imagine themselves in the space. A calm, confident presence and clear, thoughtful answers to any questions are all that’s needed.

If you’d rather leave the viewings to the professionals, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Our experienced managing partners are experts in crafting exceptional viewing experiences and will handle every detail on your behalf.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we will set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.