There is encouraging news for anyone thinking about selling this autumn: buyers have returned to the market more quickly than usual after the summer holidays.
Rightmove says buyer demand increased by 5% during the first week of September, compared with an average increase of just 0.4% over the same period during the previous five years. The latest RICS survey also shows buyer enquiries and agreed sales becoming less negative.
That does not mean every home will suddenly attract multiple offers. Mortgage rates increased again last week, official mortgage approvals have fallen, and buyers still have plenty of choice. The opportunity is real, but sellers need the right price, presentation and launch plan to convert renewed interest into viewings and offers.
The market is stabilising, not booming
The August RICS Residential Market Survey gives a useful view from estate agents and surveyors across the UK. Its net balance for new buyer enquiries improved to -19, the least negative reading since January and the fifth consecutive improvement. Agreed sales improved to -17, the least negative result since February.
A net balance is not a percentage fall in enquiries or sales. It means more surveyors still reported a deterioration than an improvement, but the gap has narrowed.
Short-term sales expectations also improved from -13 in July to -3 in August, while the 12-month expectation rose from +3 to +6. New instructions were broadly unchanged, with a balance of zero.
The honest reading is that the market appears to be finding its footing, although activity remains subdued. This fits Rightmove's early-September evidence: people are returning to their searches, but the market has not suddenly become easy for sellers.
Mortgage costs moved higher again
The affordability picture remains the main constraint. Rightmove's mortgage tracker, updated on 12 September 2026, showed:
Mortgage measure _________ 12 September_____ 5 September__________ Weekly change
Average two-year fixed rate_________ 5.19%______________ 5.09%_______ +0.10 percentage point
Average five-year fixed rate_________ 5.20%______________ 5.11%_______ +0.09 point
95% LTV two-year fix______________ 5.78%______________ 5.68%_______ +0.10 point
90% LTV two-year fix__________ 5.33%______________ 5.23%_______ +0.10 point
75% LTV two-year fix__________ 5.05%_________ 4.94%_______ +0.11 point
The lowest advertised two-year rate was 4.40%, but lowest rates are not available to every borrower and may carry fees. Buyers should use personalised advice rather than assuming that a headline rate will apply to them.
The latest official Bank of England data, covering July, also showed purchase mortgage approvals falling from 58,200 in June to 56,100 in July. The effective rate actually paid on newly drawn mortgages increased from 4.35% to 4.45%.
This combination explains the current market rather well: buyer interest is improving, but the number of finance-ready buyers progressing remains constrained.
What the latest South Yorkshire figures show
There is no new local-authority price release this week. The latest official figures remain provisional completed-sale data for June 2026, with private rents for July 2026.
Area_____ Average completed price_____ Annual price change_____________ First-time-buyer average________ Average monthly rent
Rotherham_______ £190,000_________________ +2.4%_______________________ £170,000______________ £683
Barnsley________ £176,000_________________ +6.0%_______________________ £157,000______________ £693
Doncaster_______ £171,000_________________ +4.4%_______________________ £155,000_______________ £691
Sheffield________ £220,000__________________ +5.0%_______________________ £194,000______________ £929
These figures are encouraging and show why national headlines do not always describe South Yorkshire accurately. However, they lag today's market and can be affected by the mix of properties completing in each area. A 6% annual increase in Barnsley does not mean every Barnsley home is automatically worth 6% more.
Fresh July house-price and August rent figures are due on Wednesday 16 September. Until then, street-level comparable sales, current competing listings and live buyer feedback are more important than trying to manufacture a weekly local percentage.
What this means for sellers
September's demand bounce creates a useful launch window, particularly for owners who prepared during the summer. To make the most of it:
Price for the market you are entering. Buyers compare similar homes instantly and mortgage costs affect their ceiling. An optimistic launch can lose the strongest early portal exposure.
Use the correct search bracket. A small difference in asking price can determine whether the property appears in a buyer's saved search.
Make the first impression count. Photography, video, floorplans, copy and presentation should answer the buyer's practical questions and make the home easy to shortlist.
Review the first 10–14 days. Online views without enquiries, or enquiries without viewings, are useful evidence. Compare the response with competing stock rather than simply waiting.
Qualify buyers carefully. A mortgage agreement in principle obtained months ago may no longer reflect today's rates or affordability.
The strongest position is confidence without complacency. More people are looking, but buyers still reward homes that appear properly priced and clearly presented.
What this means for buyers
Buyers should refresh their mortgage figures before making an offer and compare the total monthly cost, not just the asking price. The difference between deposit levels remains significant: Rightmove's average two-year rate on 12 September was 5.78% at 95% LTV, compared with 4.72% at 60% LTV.
Do not assume that Thursday's Bank of England decision will automatically reduce fixed mortgage rates. Fixed pricing is influenced by financial-market expectations as well as Bank Rate. Base your offer and onward plans on figures available now, with advice from a qualified mortgage adviser.
A consequential week ahead
Three major releases arrive this week:
August inflation on Wednesday 16 September at 7:00am
July UK House Price Index and August private rents on Wednesday 16 September at 9:30am
The Bank of England rate decision on Thursday 17 September at noon
Those releases may change mortgage-market expectations and will provide the next official local update. They should inform decisions, but no single statistic can replace a property-specific valuation.
Thinking of selling in South Yorkshire?
If you are considering a move in Rotherham or elsewhere across South Yorkshire, I can help you assess your home's closest evidence, current competition and the launch strategy most likely to create genuine interest.
Visit www.darylhorsfall.com or get in touch for a straightforward, evidence-led conversation.
Sources
Rightmove: early-September buyer demand
Rightmove: current mortgage rates, updated 12 September 2026
RICS UK Residential Survey, August 2026
Bank of England Money and Credit, July 2026
ONS local housing data: Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield
Disclaimer
This article provides general property-market commentary using information available on 14 September 2026. Local-authority averages are not valuations of individual homes. Mortgage products and eligibility can change, and this is not financial, legal or tax advice. Seek personalised advice from appropriately qualified professionals.