Asking prices fall 2% in August, the biggest August drop since 2018, as Rightmove cuts its 2026 forecast
Rightmove's August index puts the average asking price at £364,999, down 2.0% (£7,360) in a month — the biggest August fall since 2018, against a ten-year average of 1.3%. Homes for sale are at a 12-year high, so sellers are pricing down to stand out. For buyers that means real negotiating room; for sellers, day-one pricing now decides whether a home sells. Asking prices are not sold prices, though, and buyer demand is up 5% since late July.
What this means for…
Buyers· 3/3
Sellers· 3/3
Wider market· 3/3
Each axis scored 1 (minor) to 3 (major). Total 9/9.
More Demand commentary
17 Aug 2026 · Impact 6/9
Landlords paid 88.7% of asking price in July as 56% of investor offers came in at least 10% below
13 Aug 2026 · Impact 6/9
RICS July survey: new buyer enquiries at -28% but twelve-month price expectations turn positive at +4%
11 Aug 2026 · Impact 6/9
Four in five flats fail to sell within six months as flat-to-house price gap hits widest in 30 years
Related reading
Thinking about your own move?
See what your home is worth with free, side-by-side valuations from competing local agents. Your details stay private until you choose one.
Get your free valuations →