Autumn Leaves – And when it does, make sure you are not still unsold.

“Autumn Leaves” is a jazz standard, covered by everyone from Nat King Cole to Eva Cassidy – even Bob Dylan had a go!

But this autumn, the local property market promises to be anything but standard. It’s a season where realism matters more than ever and where managing expectations can make or break a successful sale.

A respected agent should be guiding sellers through a more cautious, slower-moving autumn market. With many homeowners still hopeful for spring-style offers, the reality is different: Buyers are more in  control, and speedy sales at top prices are no longer a given.

Historically, autumn brings a natural slowdown in activity. According to market trends, house price growth typically softens, and buyer urgency dips. That’s not doom and gloom, it’s just part of the property cycle. The key is to enter the market with clear, realistic expectations, not wishful thinking because there is more property on the market than there has been for a decade. In our local market, there are 424 properties which have been on the market for 12 weeks or more. 333 have been on for over 16 weeks.

So what does this mean if you're thinking of selling this autumn or are one of the 424?

At Anderson Jones, our advice is simple:

• Price it right from the start. Overpricing leads to stagnation and lost momentum. History shows you will also sell for less than if you priced it correctly first time.

• Prepare for a longer timeline.  Think 10–12 weeks rather than 4–6.

• Stage and present your home beautifully. You need to stand out, especially when buyer choice increases. We stage every home which we bring to the market

• Stay open-minded and flexible. Offers may come with conditions or negotiation. Be ready. And don’t forget, when you are the buyer, you will be able to negotiate too.
  

We’re not in the business of giving false hope. We’re in the business of honest advice, smart strategy, and proactive communication - especially when the market changes pace.

If you're planning to sell this autumn, let’s come and see you.  We'll walk you through what's happening locally, what your home could realistically achieve and how to make sure your move still works for you.