Rightmove Price Index - What It Means For Sussex Sellers
Mortgage costs are rising, but homes are still selling. Our October update looks at what the latest Rightmove figures mean for buyers and sellers in Sussex.
October property update: buyers are still moving, but budgets are under pressure
A rise in asking prices might suggest the market is picking up, but this month’s Rightmove report needs a closer look. The average asking price of a newly listed home rose by 1% in October to £371,015. However, that leaves prices almost unchanged from a year ago, down 0.1%. London’s monthly increase has also helped push up the national figure, so it shouldn’t be taken as evidence that prices are rising everywhere.
Higher mortgage costs are affecting decisions
Rightmove reports that the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has risen to 5.55%, compared with 5.29% last month. For buyers who worked out their budget earlier in the year, that can mean revisiting what they can comfortably afford. Some will need to borrow less, look at different properties or negotiate harder on the price. Someone can like your home and want to buy it, but still be unable to make the figures work.
Sales are still being agreed
The number of sales agreed is 8% below the same period last year. Buyer enquiries are also down 9%, while the number of homes available remains at its highest level for this time of year since 2014.
It’s a challenging combination, but transactions are still happening. Higher borrowing costs haven’t stopped people needing to move, whether that’s for more space, a change in circumstances or a different location. Buyers have plenty to compare, though, and sellers need to give them a reason to choose their property.
What does this mean for Sussex sellers?
Across Shoreham, Brighton & Hove and Lewes, the useful question is what buyers will pay for your particular home in today’s market. That means looking at recent comparable sales, competing properties and the response to your marketing. Other homes’ asking prices only tell you what their owners hope to achieve.
Good photography, video and clear property information all help. But if viewings aren’t happening, or buyers consistently choose something else, the price needs to be part of the conversation.
Think about the whole move
Accepting less than you originally hoped for is difficult. But if you’re buying as well as selling, it’s worth looking at both sides before ruling out an offer.
You may be able to negotiate on your next purchase too. What matters is the difference between the two prices, alongside your mortgage, moving costs and what you can afford each month.
With the Budget approaching, some buyers and sellers will understandably wait for more clarity. There’s no guarantee that waiting will improve your position, so the decision should come back to your circumstances and whether the move works for you.
If you’re considering selling between now and Christmas, or into 2027 our teams in Brighton & Hove, Shoreham by Sea, and Lewes can talk through the local evidence and help you work out a realistic plan.
Source: Rightmove House Price Index, 19 October 2026. Asking prices reflect newly listed properties, rather than completed sale prices. Mortgage figures are averages reported by Rightmove.
