Buyers have plenty to compare this autumn, which makes the way a home enters the market increasingly important. A strong first impression, realistic price and thoughtful presentation can all help attract the right attention.

A move often starts long before a property is officially listed. If selling within the next few months is becoming a realistic possibility, September is a good time to work out what needs to happen first.

The UK property market continues to experience changes, with prime property prices falling across London and several regional markets. However, there are signs that the pace of decline is slowing as sellers adjust their asking prices and buyers become more confident about negotiating.

The UK mortgage market is moving once again, with a number of major lenders increasing their mortgage rates as wholesale funding costs and swap rates rise. For anyone planning to buy, sell, remortgage or invest in property, this is an important development to keep an eye on.