The UK housing market has entered its traditional summer slowdown, but this year’s market has softened more than many experts expected. According to Rightmove’s July 2026 House Price Index, sellers are becoming increasingly realistic on pricing as higher borrowing costs, seasonal distractions, and more cautious buyers continue to influence the market.
For anyone thinking about buying or selling property over the coming months, the latest figures provide an important snapshot of where the UK property market currently stands.
Rightmove’s July House Price Index shows that the average asking price of newly listed properties fell by 1.0% during July compared with June. This is significantly larger than the 10-year average July decline of just 0.2%, making this one of the sharper seasonal corrections seen in recent years.
While a reduction in asking prices during July is normal, this year’s larger fall suggests sellers are recognizing that buyers remain price-sensitive and that accurate pricing is essential to generate interest.
Although asking prices have softened, the market is far from stagnant.
Properties that are marketed correctly and priced realistically are still attracting buyers. However, homes that enter the market at ambitious prices often remain unsold for much longer before eventually requiring price reductions.
This reinforces a key trend seen throughout 2026
One of the most interesting findings from Rightmove’s July city data is the wide variation between locations. Local supply, affordability, and regional buyer demand are increasingly driving prices at the city level rather than following a single national trend.
Rightmove’s July figures also highlight stark differences in selling times across different regions in the UK.
For sellers on the open market, this demonstrates the critical importance of launching at the correct asking price from day one rather than expecting bidding wars to drive offers higher.
If you’re planning to sell during the second half of 2026, realistic pricing is becoming more important than ever. The latest Rightmove data suggests buyers are still active, but they are:
Launching at an inflated asking price may simply extend the time your property spends sitting on the market. If you need a fast, guaranteed sale without waiting months or dealing with estate agent fees and broken chains, selling directly to a professional cash buyer can provide certainty in a softening market.
For buyers, current market conditions offer greater negotiating power than has been available for several years.
With asking prices softening and more homes remaining on the market longer, purchasers may find clear opportunities to negotiate—particularly where properties have been listed for extended periods.
However, attractive homes in desirable locations that are priced correctly from the start continue to sell relatively quickly.
Despite the July slowdown, Rightmove expects the market to gradually stabilize as broader economic conditions improve over time, though regional differences will remain pronounced.
Earlier in the year, Rightmove forecast around 2% annual asking price growth for 2026 overall. However, individual cities are clearly outperforming or underperforming that national benchmark.
The key message from Rightmove’s July 2026 House Price Index is clear: pricing matters more than ever.
For sellers, realism is likely to produce faster sales and stronger buyer interest. For buyers, increased choice and softer asking prices create opportunities to negotiate, particularly where properties have stalled on the market.
As always, local market conditions remain far more important than national headlines. Understanding what’s happening in your specific area is the key to making informed property decisions.
Source: Rightmove July 2026 House Price Index and City Data.
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