Autumn activity is returning to the property market, but affordability continues to shape decisions. We look at the latest prices, buyer demand, mortgage figures and what they mean for movers.

The UK property market continues to evolve, but for many aspiring homeowners, getting a mortgage can still feel like one of the biggest obstacles to moving forward. While traditional mortgage applications often focus on a regular salary and straightforward employment history, an increasing number of people now earn their income in different ways.

While location, asking price and property size remain key factors when making a move, rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness are encouraging households to look more closely at how their homes perform.

Having an offer accepted on a property should feel like a major milestone. But getting from “offer accepted” to “completion” can sometimes feel like a very different story. New research suggests that conveyancing is now seen by many homebuyers as one of the biggest obstacles to a smooth property transaction — even more so than property chains.