Summer heat cools the property market
Tuesday 25th August, 2026
A survey found 78% of UK estate agents expect weaker summer activity, as hot weather discourages viewings while agents continue progressing existing sales.
This gives Rightmove a natural chance to comment on how buyers and sellers are navigating a quieter, hotter UK housing market.
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Why have we flagged this?
The survey suggests hot weather is cooling summer property activity, giving Rightmove an opportunity to share search, enquiry or viewing trends that add consumer context.
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Thinking...
These are starting points for inspiration, not finished ideas.
Expert comment
Explain why heat changes viewing habits, not necessarily demand
Position hot weather as a shift towards evening, virtual and shorter viewings rather than a complete loss of buyer interest.
Expert comment angle: Offer this specific interpretation from a Rightmove property expert to national property and consumer journalists covering the slowdown.
Why: It challenges the obvious narrative and gives journalists a useful explanation of what buyers may do next.
Data idea
Compare property enquiries on hot and cooler days
Show the percentage difference in buyer enquiries recorded on unusually hot days compared with cooler days during summer.
Data to investigate: Analyse your enquiry data using a single comparison of hot-weather and cooler summer days.
Why: It would put a clear number on whether heat genuinely changes buyer behaviour, rather than relying on agents’ expectations.
Newsjack
Create a heatwave guide to smarter property viewings
Publish practical advice for buyers and agents on using virtual tours, booking evening appointments and assessing overheated homes.
Newsjack angle: Create the guide within days and offer it to consumer, property and regional media alongside expert commentary on the summer market.
Why: It turns a weather-related problem into immediate, useful advice for people still trying to move home.