One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “How’s the market?”

The answer is – While the summer has been a little quieter than many anticipated, that’s not unusual for this time of year and the fundamentals of the market remain very encouraging.

A combination of factors have probably played a part.

The spell of excellent weather has encouraged people to spend time outdoors rather than house hunting, while Wimbledon, the World Cup and the change of Prime Minister all competed for people’s attention. As is often the case, many buyers and sellers have also put their plans on hold during the school holidays.

The important point is that the quieter summer hasn’t changed the underlying strength of the North West property market.

Across Lancashire and the wider North West, buyer demand remains healthy. Purchasers are simply taking a little more time to make decisions and are being increasingly selective. The homes that continue to perform best are those that are realistically priced, beautifully presented and professionally marketed.

The North West remains one of the UK’s strongest property markets. Compared with many parts of the country, homes continue to offer excellent value, helping to attract buyers and support prices.

One of the biggest issues remains the shortage of quality homes coming onto the market. There are still motivated buyers looking for the right property, but not enough new instructions to satisfy demand. This imbalance continues to support values across much of Lancashire, Cumbria and the wider North West.

Looking ahead, there is every reason to be optimistic.

September has traditionally been one of the busiest months of the property calendar. Once the holidays are over and children return to school, buyers tend to refocus on moving home. Many will be aiming to agree a purchase during September or October to give themselves the best opportunity of completing before Christmas.

We’re already beginning to see the first signs of that seasonal shift and expect activity to build over the coming weeks as more buyers return to the market and more sellers take advantage of renewed momentum.

For anyone considering a move, now is an excellent time to prepare. Bringing your property in late August or early September places you in a strong position to benefit from the seasonal increase in buyer activity and the continued shortage of quality homes available.

The message remains the same: realistic pricing, excellent presentation and expert marketing continue to be the ingredients that achieve the best results. With the traditional autumn uplift on the horizon, well-prepared homes are perfectly placed to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

If you’re thinking about moving, or simply want an honest chat about the market, we’d be delighted to help. Our team is always on hand with straightforward advice, local knowledge and a proactive approach that gets results.