The school bags are packed, the summer holidays are over and September has arrived. For many households, the return to school also marks the return to routine – and traditionally, that brings renewed activity to the property market.
After the distractions of the summer holidays, September and early autumn are often when buyers and sellers refocus on their plans. Rightmove describes autumn as a period when home-moving activity typically increases, as holidays come to an end, children return to school and families have more time to concentrate on their next move.
A fresh start for the property market
There is something about September that naturally encourages a fresh start. Just as children begin a new school year, homeowners often revisit the plans they put on hold over the summer – whether that means upsizing, downsizing, relocating or simply finding a home that better suits the way they live.
For sellers, this can create an important window of opportunity. More buyers returning to their property searches can mean increased interest and viewings, but today’s buyers also have plenty of choice and are increasingly selective.
Recent Zoopla figures show that the national average time for a property to find a buyer was around 42 days in July 2026, although there are significant differences between local markets. This makes sensible pricing, excellent presentation and the right marketing strategy particularly important.
Could you be in your new home for Christmas?
Christmas might still feel some way off, but in property terms it is surprisingly close.
For buyers already searching, September is a great time to become serious about finding the right home. And for homeowners considering selling, getting onto the market sooner rather than later gives you the best opportunity to secure a buyer and start progressing the chain before the traditional Christmas slowdown.
Moving before Christmas can never be guaranteed – every transaction and chain is different – but acting early can make all the difference.
Imagine putting up the Christmas tree in your new sitting room, hosting Christmas lunch in the kitchen you fell in love with at the viewing, or simply starting 2027 already settled into the home you’ve been planning for.
Thinking of moving? Now is the time to get started
If a move has been on your mind during the summer, September is the ideal time to find out where you stand.
At McCarthy Holden, our local teams can provide an up-to-date appraisal of your property, discuss current buyer demand and advise on the best strategy for bringing your home to market.
And if you’re already searching, talk to us about what you’re looking for. Some of the best opportunities can arise before you’ve spent hours scrolling through property portals.
The children are back at school, autumn is approaching and the Christmas countdown has quietly begun. If you’d like to be celebrating Christmas in a new home this year, now is the time to make your move.
Contact your local office to start the process of finding your new home or selling your current home:
McCarthy Holden Fleet – 01252 620640
McCarthy Holden Odiham – 01256 704851
McCarthy Holden Hartley Wintney – 01252 622550
