Back-to-school buyer bounce outpaces typical September uplift

• New real-time analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove reveals that buyer demand received a stronger than usual back-to-school boost during the first week of September 

• Buyer demand increased by 5% during the opening week of the month, significantly higher than the average increase of 0.4% seen over the same period during the last five years 

• This weekly improvement saw buyer demand move from 14% below last year to 9% below, providing a welcome boost in a year where demand has faced a series of economic, geopolitical and heatwave challenges 

• The uplift was seen across every region, with London and the South West recording some of the sharpest rises at +9% and +8% respectively 

• Rightmove’s real-time data, generated from millions of interactions across the UK’s largest property platform, regularly highlights how seasonal events and consumer behaviour influence home-moving activity 

New real-time analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove reveals that buyer demand received a stronger than usual back-to-school boost during the first week of September, as home-movers returned to the market after the summer holidays. 

Buyer demand increased by 5% during the opening week of September, significantly outpacing the average increase of 0.4% seen over the same period during the last five years. 

The stronger than normal uplift indicates a sharper return to the market than is typically seen at the start of September, as home-movers return from the summer holiday period. 

The improvement provides a welcome boost in a year where buyer demand has faced a range of economic, geopolitical and weather-related headwinds.  

While overall buyer demand remains below last year’s level, the stronger than usual start to September has helped narrow the gap. Buyer demand moved from 14% below last year’s level at the end of August to 9% below for the first week of September.  

The September bounce was seen across every region of Great Britain. London recorded the strongest increase in buyer demand during the first week of the month (+9%), followed by the South West (+8%). The West Midlands and North East both recorded increases of around 7%, while the East Midlands and South East each saw a 6% uplift. 

Rightmove’s real-time data, generated from millions of interactions across the UK’s largest property platform, regularly highlights how seasonal events and consumer behaviour influence home-moving activity. 

Regional view of buyer demand % uplift 

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert said: “The start of September is often a busy time for the housing market as families return from summer breaks and refocus on their moving plans. This year we’ve seen buyer demand rise by 5% during the first week of September, compared with an average increase of just 0.4% over the same period during the last five years. 

While buyer demand remains below last year’s level, this year’s back-to-school bounce is a welcome sign after a summer that brought the usual holiday distractions alongside several spells of exceptionally hot weather. It’s encouraging to see buyers getting on with their moving plans and returning to the market as we head into the autumn season. However, it is still early in the month, we will be keeping an eye on this over the coming weeks.” 

Hollie Whittaker, Founder of Block & Brick said: “We’re definitely seeing signs of increased buyer activity as people settle back into their usual routines after the summer holidays. Viewing requests have started to pick up, and we’re seeing more buyers actively continuing their search for their next home now the kids are back at school. 

“We’re also seeing daily online views increase across our properties, which is a positive sign that buyers are re-engaging with the market. After a quieter summer period, it’s encouraging to see momentum beginning to build again, and we expect buyer activity to continue strengthening as we move further into September.” 

ENDS