Rightmove warns sales may not complete until Easter 2027

Rightmove warns sales may not complete until Easter 2027

Rightmove’s latest market snapshot highlights significant delays in property sales, warning sellers that completion could take up to 150 days after securing a buyer, potentially pushing moves into spring 2027.

Rightmove’s recent data signals a challenging sales environment for landlords and property owners listing homes for sale this autumn. Although asking prices have seen a modest rise, the overall market remains sluggish with a high volume of properties competing for buyers. Sellers should anticipate lengthy times to find a buyer and even longer before completion.

The portal reports a 0.7% increase in newly-listed asking prices this month, the first rise since May, reaching an average of £367,440. This increase is slightly above the usual for this time of year and may hint at the traditional autumn uplift in activity. However, Rightmove tempers optimism by noting that the market still needs to recover from a subdued summer period.

Details from Rightmove’s market snapshot

Rightmove highlights a record number of homes on the market, reaching a 12-year high in supply. This saturation means sellers must price competitively to attract buyers quickly. On average, it takes 64 days to find a buyer, but the real challenge lies in the completion phase, which averages an additional 150 days.

This extended completion period is particularly relevant for landlords considering selling rental properties, as it implies a long wait before they can access sale proceeds or reinvest. The overall sales success rate is also low, with only 61% of listed properties finding a buyer. Regional disparities are stark: Scotland enjoys a 91% success rate, while London sees just 42% of homes sold.

In more affordable regions such as the North West of England, 71% of homes find buyers, contrasting with 56% in the South East. These figures underline the uneven nature of the market and the importance of local conditions in sales outcomes.

Market context and implications for landlords

The prolonged sales timeline and high market supply present practical challenges for landlords. Those looking to exit the market or downsize must prepare for extended periods without rental income or capital access. This may affect financial planning, especially if landlords rely on sale proceeds to service mortgages or fund other investments.

Additionally, the crowded market increases competition for buyers, which could suppress achievable sale prices despite the slight recent rise in asking prices. Landlords should carefully assess pricing strategies to avoid properties stagnating on the market, which can further delay completion.

The regional variations in sale success rates suggest landlords in London and the South East face greater hurdles. These areas may require more aggressive pricing or enhanced marketing efforts to secure buyers within a reasonable timeframe.

Practical considerations for landlords and agents

Landlords planning to sell should factor in the average 64-day period to find a buyer plus the 150-day completion timeline when scheduling moves or reinvestment plans. This means that properties listed now may not complete until after Easter 2027, limiting flexibility.

Letting agents advising landlords on sales should emphasise the importance of realistic pricing and managing expectations about timing. They should also encourage landlords to maintain rental income streams until completion is certain, to avoid gaps in cash flow.

For landlords juggling rental and sales portfolios, it is advisable to review mortgage terms and ensure arrangements can accommodate extended sales periods. Considering bridging finance or alternative funding may be necessary if sale proceeds are required sooner.

What remains uncertain in the sales outlook

While Rightmove’s data provides a clear snapshot of current market conditions, the outlook remains subject to change. Economic factors such as interest rate shifts, inflation, or government policy adjustments could influence buyer demand and completion speeds.

There is also uncertainty around how the market will respond to the upcoming winter months, traditionally quieter for sales, and whether the hoped-for autumn bounce will materialise fully. Landlords should monitor official guidance and market updates closely to adjust strategies accordingly.

What landlords should consider now

Landlords contemplating sales should review their portfolios and financial plans in light of extended sales timelines. They should prepare for potential delays in completion and consider how this impacts rental income, mortgage commitments and reinvestment opportunities.

Engaging with letting agents and conveyancers early can help clarify realistic timelines and pricing strategies. Landlords should also ensure all property documentation and compliance records are up to date to avoid legal or procedural delays during the sale process.

Staying informed about regional market conditions is crucial, especially for those in London and the South East where sales success rates are lower. Flexibility and patience will be key as the market navigates these challenging conditions.

Supporting landlords through market challenges with TLA

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to a range of compliance resources and practical guidance that can help landlords prepare properties for sale and manage portfolios during extended sales periods. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, supports landlords and letting agents by organising property records, managing rental documents, and recording key actions such as inspections and communications.

ORBIT’s developing features include tools to maintain evidence of compliance and monitor regulatory developments, which are essential when preparing a property for sale or managing tenant transitions. TLA membership also provides access to up-to-date information on legislation and market trends, helping landlords make informed decisions amid uncertain market conditions.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with practical support to navigate the complexities of selling rental properties in today’s market.

Landlords should continue to monitor market data and official guidance to adapt their strategies as conditions evolve.

Sources: Landlord Today