Nationally, the average asking price of a newly listed property has risen by 1.0% to £371,015, an increase of £3,575 since September. However, prices remain 0.1% lower than this time last year, showing that sellers still need to be realistic about what buyers are prepared to pay.

The number of homes available for sale also remains at its highest level for this time of year since 2014, so buyers continue to have plenty of choice.

Yorkshire & The Humber continues to perform slightly better than many other regions:

Across DL7-DL11, this reflects much of what we are seeing locally. There are still buyers looking and sales being agreed, but affordability is putting increasing pressure on budgets.

Higher mortgage rates mean buyers are being more careful about what they offer, particularly where there are several similar properties available.

We’re also seeing more buyers turning to AI for advice throughout the buying process, rather than speaking directly with their agent. This can lead to misunderstandings, particularly around matters such as survey results, where professional advice and context are hugely important.

October’s increase in asking prices is positive, but it does not mean the market has suddenly become stronger.

There are more homes coming to market than a year ago, fewer buyer enquiries and higher mortgage costs, which makes competitive pricing incredibly important.

For sellers across DL7-DL11, the first few weeks of marketing remain crucial. A home that launches at the right price can still attract good interest, while an ambitious asking price can quickly leave a property competing with newer listings. Our advice would be to carefully consider the lower to middle range of valuations you receive, ensuring your asking price reflects current market conditions. Pricing realistically from the outset can help attract early interest and reduce the likelihood of further price reductions. It’s also worth remembering that some valuations may be more optimistic than the market can currently support.

For buyers, there is still plenty of choice. If you find the right property but feel the price is slightly high, make an offer rather than waiting for a reduction. Sellers may be more open to a sensible conversation than the asking price suggests.