Asking prices edge up, but local evidence still matters
September's Rightmove figures bring a modest rise in asking prices. Here is how agency teams can turn a national headline into a better local conversation.
The Negotiator's coverage of Rightmove's September index reports a 0.7% monthly rise in newly listed asking prices to £367,440, while the annual measure remains 0.8% lower. Its report also describes a high level of available stock. These are advertised asking prices, rather than a measure of completed sale prices.
Read the original reporting at The Negotiator ↗Source published 21 Sept 2026Our view: make the comparison useful
An agency valuation conversation works best when the evidence matches the property. Prepare a small set of local comparables and explain which are still on the market, which are under offer and which have completed. Keep their dates visible. That makes it easier to discuss what the evidence can support and where uncertainty remains.
Use the national index as background. A countrywide average cannot tell an individual seller what a particular street, condition or property type will achieve. A clear explanation of the suggested price and an agreed review date give the client something more useful than a broad prediction.
A practical exercise for negotiators
Before the next team meeting, choose one instruction and prepare a short pricing explanation without relying on a national headline. Include the closest comparable, one meaningful difference and the question you would ask the seller. For candidates, a well-explained example can demonstrate preparation and commercial judgement at interview.
Put the insight into practice
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Explore the Agency Toolkit ↗Prepared with AI assistance, with source checks before publication. Our commentary is general professional context, not individual financial or legal advice. Editorial approach and corrections.
