What the Latest Rightmove House Price Index Means for Sussex Sellers
Rightmove’s latest figures show a competitive summer market, with Sussex buyers active but increasingly focused on price and presentation.
Sussex property market: buyers remain active, but price matters
Rightmove’s latest figures show a more competitive summer market, with buyers taking their time and sellers needing to get their pricing right from day one.
The average price of a property coming to the market fell by 1% in July to £372,359, according to the latest Rightmove House Price Index.
A seasonal drop is normal, but this was larger than the average July fall of 0.2% recorded over the past ten years. Buyers currently have plenty of choice, while holidays, hot weather and the World Cup have all contributed to a quieter few weeks.
Here in the South East, the average asking price now stands at £479,784. This is 1% lower than last month and 1.4% below the same point last year.
Properties in the region are taking an average of 67 days to find a buyer.
These regional figures cover a large and varied area, so they shouldn’t be applied directly to every property in Sussex. The market in Brighton & Hove can behave very differently from Shoreham, while demand in Lewes will vary again depending on the location, property type and price range.
However, the wider message is relevant across all three areas. Buyers are still moving, but they are comparing properties carefully and are less likely to overlook an ambitious asking price.
Rightmove reports that the number of sales agreed during the first half of 2026 was 6% lower than last year, although activity remained level with 2024. That suggests the market hasn’t stopped, but sellers are having to compete harder for attention.
One of the most interesting figures is the difference made by accurate pricing. Nearly three-quarters of homes sold and completed during 2026 did so without needing an asking price reduction.
Properties that sold without reducing took an average of 36 days to secure a buyer. Those that needed a reduction spent an average of 127 days on the market.
That doesn’t mean every seller should start with a low price. It means the asking price needs to make sense alongside comparable homes and current buyer demand. Testing the market at an unrealistic figure can cost valuable early interest and make a property harder to reposition later.
There are still some positive signs. The average two-year fixed mortgage rate has fallen from 5.08% last month to 4.92%, lenders remain keen to lend, and wage growth continues to help affordability.
Across Sussex, we’re still seeing buyers respond to homes that are presented well and priced correctly. Whether you’re selling in Shoreham, Brighton & Hove, Lewes or elsewhere in the county, the first few weeks remain important.
Good photography, clear marketing and an honest pricing strategy can make a real difference in a market where buyers have more choice.
If you’re considering moving, speak to your local Oakley team for an honest assessment of your property, current buyer demand and how we would approach the market.
