By A Move Homes – Estate Agents Chester
As we move into November, I think it’s fair to say that the property market has had its challenges this year. We’ve seen buyers become more cautious, mortgage rates fluctuate and people take a little longer to make decisions before committing to a purchase.
But does that mean the housing market is coming to a standstill? Absolutely not.
At A Move Homes, we’re still seeing people looking to buy, sell and move home across Chester and the surrounding areas. However, I do think sellers need to approach the market slightly differently as we head towards the end of the year.
So, what are we expecting from the November property market, what could happen with interest rates, and is now still a good time to sell your house in Chester?
Let’s take a look.
What’s happening in the housing market this November?
Nationally, the market has lost a little momentum. The latest Nationwide figures show that annual house price growth slowed to just 0.5% in October, with prices remaining broadly unchanged compared with the previous month.
Zoopla has also reported that buyers currently have around 7% more properties to choose from than they did this time last year.
What does that tell us?
Quite simply, buyers have more choice, and sellers have more competition.
We’re finding that buyers are becoming more selective about what they view and, understandably, are looking for good value for money. Properties that are priced correctly from the beginning are in a much better position to attract attention and generate viewings.
This doesn’t mean you need to sell your property cheaply. It means understanding what buyers are prepared to pay in the current market and making sure your asking price reflects that.
How is the Chester property market performing?
Looking closer to home, the picture is a little more encouraging.
The latest available official figures for Cheshire West and Chester show that average property prices increased by 3.7% over the year to August 2026, taking the average house price to approximately £271,000.
This is ahead of the 2.2% annual increase recorded across the North West over the same period.
It’s a useful reminder that not every part of the UK is experiencing the same market conditions.
Across Chester, we’re continuing to see interest in a variety of properties, from first-time buyer homes and smaller apartments to larger family properties.
Areas such as Broughton, Blacon, Saltney, Ellesmere Port and Buckley continue to attract buyers for different reasons, particularly those looking for a little more value while remaining within reach of Chester and the surrounding areas.
If you’re looking at Chester houses for sale or property for sale in Chester, there are still opportunities available. Equally, if you’re thinking about selling, there are buyers out there – the important thing is making sure your property stands out.
What do we think will happen to the Bank of England base rate?
This is probably one of the biggest questions we’re being asked at the moment, particularly by homeowners approaching the end of their current mortgage deal and buyers considering making a move.
The Bank of England base rate currently stands at 3.75%, with the next interest rate decision due on 5 November.
There has been a lot of discussion around whether rates could actually increase rather than fall, largely because inflation has remained stubborn and energy prices have been putting additional pressure on the economy.
My view is that I wouldn’t be banking on any immediate reductions.
For a while, there was an expectation that we’d see interest rates gradually come down, making mortgages more affordable and giving the housing market a bit of a boost. However, things haven’t quite gone to plan.
There is now a genuine possibility of the Bank of England increasing the base rate to 4% at its November meeting.
Personally, I think we need to be realistic. If inflation continues to cause problems, the Bank of England may have to keep rates higher for longer. That said, I wouldn’t automatically expect a long series of increases either. A lot will depend on what happens with inflation, energy prices and the wider economy over the coming months.
My advice would be not to put your plans on hold waiting for interest rates to fall.
If you’re coming towards the end of a fixed-rate mortgage, it’s worth reviewing your options early. If you’re looking to buy, it’s worth understanding what you can comfortably afford now rather than basing your plans on what rates might look like in six months.
At A Move Brokers, we can help review your mortgage options and look at what’s available across the mortgage market.
Is November a good time to sell your house in Chester?
I often hear people say that they will wait until January or February before putting their property on the market because they think there won’t be any buyers around in November and December.
I don’t necessarily agree.
Yes, things can slow down as we approach Christmas, and some buyers may decide to put their plans on hold until the New Year. But there are also plenty of people who genuinely want to move and would rather get things sorted before Christmas or start the New Year in a new home.
There are also buyers who have been looking for months and haven’t found the right property yet.
If your property is ready to go on the market, I don’t think you should automatically rule out November.
The biggest thing I’d stress is getting the price right from the beginning. The first few weeks of marketing are particularly important because this is when a new listing gets the attention of buyers actively searching.
If you’re thinking, “I want to sell my house in Chester, but is now the right time?”, my advice would be to get an up-to-date valuation and look at what similar properties are actually achieving.
You might be surprised by the level of interest available.
Why choosing the right estate agent matters
In a more challenging market, the service you receive from your estate agent becomes even more important.
Putting a property on Rightmove is one thing, but making sure it’s presented properly, marketed effectively, priced realistically and followed up with potential buyers is another.
At A Move Homes, we believe in keeping things straightforward.
We offer:
- A competitive 1% sales fee with NO VAT.
- No sale, no fee.
- Free premium property listings.
- Professional property marketing.
- Regular communication and viewing feedback.
- Honest advice on pricing and offers.
- No hidden fees.
We’re an independent estate agent covering Chester and the surrounding areas, and our focus is on helping people achieve the best possible result when selling their homes.
Whether you’re looking for an estate agent in Chester, considering selling in Broughton, Blacon or Saltney, or simply want to know what your property could be worth, we’re happy to have a chat.
What are our predictions for the rest of November?
If I had to sum up what I expect, I’d say we’re likely to see a fairly steady but competitive market.
I don’t expect the market to suddenly take off, particularly if mortgage rates remain under pressure. However, I also don’t expect everything to grind to a halt.
I think buyers will continue to be selective, sellers will need to be realistic, and well-presented properties at the right price will continue to sell.
The interest rate decision on 5 November will be particularly interesting. If the Bank of England increases the base rate, it could create further uncertainty for buyers in the short term. If rates are held, that may offer some reassurance, although mortgage lenders will still be influenced by wider financial market conditions.
Ultimately, property markets don’t stand still. There are always people who need to move, whether that’s because of work, family, upsizing, downsizing or simply wanting a change.
Our message to anyone thinking about selling is simple: don’t wait for the perfect market. Make sure you have the right advice, the right asking price and the right agent working for you.
Thinking of selling your home in Chester?
If you’re considering putting your property on the market, or simply want to know what your home might be worth in the current market, speak to A Move Homes.
We’re always happy to offer honest advice, with no pressure and no obligation.
A Move Homes – Your local independent estate agents in Chester.
