Buyers gain negotiating power
Wednesday 14th October, 2026
Propertymark reports that 86% of estate agents said homes sold below asking price in August, as buyers gained more room to negotiate.
This gives Rightmove a natural role in the conversation about helping UK buyers compare homes and understand what their budget can buy.
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Why have we flagged this?
Propertymark’s figures show buyers gaining negotiating power as more homes sell below asking price, giving you a chance to add Rightmove data on asking-price trends and buyer demand.
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Thinking...
These are starting points for inspiration, not finished ideas.
Expert comment
Show why renters cannot assume buying is now easier
Point out that softer buyer demand does not mean the rental market has eased, with rents still rising and competition remaining high.
Expert comment angle: Offer this contrast to consumer finance and property reporters covering the gap between buying and renting.
Why: It highlights the very different pressures facing renters and buyers in the same housing market.
Expert comment
Explain why a lower offer can still be the strongest one
Argue that sellers should weigh a buyer’s ability to proceed and the length of their chain, not just the offer amount.
Expert comment angle: Offer this view to consumer property reporters covering below-asking-price sales and slow exchanges.
Why: It gives buyers and sellers a useful, less obvious way to judge competing offers.
Data idea
Track where sellers are cutting asking prices
Show the share of listed homes that had their asking price reduced in each UK region, and how that has changed year on year.
Data to investigate: Analyse your listing price history data to calculate the share of homes with a price reduction by region.
Why: It puts a clear local measure on the growing negotiating power buyers are gaining.