As school holidays approach, family buyers often become more focused. For sellers with space, gardens or flexible rooms, July can be a useful moment to attract motivated movers.

The opening fortnight can shape your entire sale. As August 2026 approaches, discover how launch price, timing and buyer readiness can turn early attention into a stronger offer.

Summer is traditionally a quieter period for the UK property market, with school holidays, family commitments and overseas travel often causing buyers and sellers to put their plans on hold. This year, however, prolonged hot weather appears to have added to the seasonal slowdown.

The UK housing market remained subdued in August, with house prices edging up by 0.2% over the month and annual growth sitting at 1.6%, according to Nationwide's latest House Price Index.