August is often seen as a quiet month for the property market. Families go on holiday, schools are closed and many people assume buyers put their plans on hold until autumn.
The market may slow down, but it does not stop. In fact, August can still give sellers a useful opportunity. The people who continue searching during the summer are often doing so for a reason. They may want to move before the new school term, relocate for work or simply find the right home without waiting for September. The key is understanding what buyers are looking for and making your property easy to notice.
Related: How to set the right asking price when selling
Are people still buying homes in August?
Yes. There may be fewer people looking at properties during the summer holidays, but that does not mean buyers disappear. People who are actively searching in August may have a clear reason for moving. They could be hoping to settle before the new school term, starting a new job or simply waiting for the right home to come onto the market. For sellers, this means August can still bring genuine opportunities. The important thing is to make your property easy to notice, price it sensibly and be ready when an interested buyer comes along.
Why August can work in your favour
A quieter month does not automatically mean a bad month to sell. Some buyers searching in August have a clear reason to move. Families may be thinking about schools, while others could be working towards a job move, the end of a tenancy or another personal deadline.
Longer summer evenings can also make viewings easier. People have more daylight after work, while gardens, balconies and outdoor spaces can look their best at this time of year. There is another advantage. If you start your sale in August, you could already be on the market when more people return to their property search in early autumn.
Related: How much does it cost to sell your house?
Price matters more when buyers have choice
The biggest mistake a seller can make is assuming that a higher asking price gives them more room to negotiate. In August 2026, the number of homes available for sale was close to a 12-year high for that time of year. Rightmove also reported that average new seller asking prices fell by 2% during the month.
With plenty of homes to compare, buyers can quickly move past a property that feels too expensive. This makes the starting price especially important. A realistic figure can help your home attract attention from the beginning rather than relying on a price reduction later.
Your local property market matters too. National averages can tell you what is happening across the country, but they cannot tell you exactly what a buyer might pay for your street, property type or location.
Related: How to negotiate an offer with your buyer
Make the first impression count
Most buyers will see your property online before they ever step through the front door. That means the photographs, description and presentation need to give them a reason to stop scrolling.
You do not need to completely redecorate your home. Small changes can make a noticeable difference:
- Clear away unnecessary clutter before photographs and viewings.
- Let natural light into rooms where possible.
- Tidy gardens, entrances and outdoor areas.
- Fix small problems that could distract buyers.
- Keep rooms clean and easy to understand.
Do not disappear during the holidays
If you decide to sell in August, think about your own plans too. A holiday does not have to stop your sale. Speak to your estate agent before you travel so they know when viewings can take place, how you would like to receive updates and how quickly you can respond to an offer. Good preparation means your property can keep working even while you are away.
Could August be your starting point?
August may be quieter than some other months, but that does not mean the property market stops. Buyers are still searching, viewing homes and making decisions. Some may even have a clear reason to move before autumn begins.
For sellers, the month matters less than getting the basics right. A sensible asking price, good presentation and a clear selling plan can help your home attract the right attention. If you are thinking about selling, speak to your local Nicholas Humphreys team and book a valuation to see what your property could achieve.
