More than 54,000 homes hit the market after back-to-school rush – Mortgage Strategy

More than 54,000 homes have been put up for sale across England since the start of September, as sellers return to the property market following the summer holidays.

Research by estate agency Yopa found that the number of homes available to buyers increased by 16% in just two weeks, with some parts of England recording rises of more than a third.

Yopa analysed property listings across every county in England on August 31 and again on September 14, identifying where the biggest increases in available housing have been recorded following the traditional summer slowdown.

The research found that there were 331,255 homes listed for sale across England on August 31.

By September 14, that figure had risen to 385,565 — an increase of 54,310 properties in just 14 days.

Homes listed since the beginning of September now account for around one in seven properties currently on the market.

Rutland recorded the largest increase in available housing, with the number of properties for sale rising by 35% since the end of August.

Homes that have entered the market since September 1 account for 26% of all properties currently listed for sale in the county.

The Isle of Wight recorded the second-largest increase, with available stock rising by 34%.

Worcestershire and Devon both saw a 20% increase in the number of homes for sale, while Greater London also recorded a 20% rise.

Oxfordshire, Bristol and Norfolk each saw available housing stock increase by 19%.

Somerset and Northamptonshire completed the top 10, with both recording an 18% increase.

Yopa chief executive Verona Frankish said the increase was consistent with the seasonal pattern of the property market.

“The summer holidays traditionally bring a quieter period for the property market, with many sellers choosing to hold off while schools are out and families are focused on getting away,” she said.

“But once September arrives, we tend to see the market spring back into action and this year has been no different, with more than 54,000 additional homes hitting the market in just two weeks.

“That’s a substantial increase in such a short period of time and should bring greater choice for buyers who may have also put their plans on hold over the summer months.”

However, Frankish warned that the rise in available properties could also increase competition between sellers.

“Greater levels of stock also mean more competition amongst sellers, so those coming to market this autumn will need to remain realistic on price if they want to secure a buyer, particularly with the wider market remaining more subdued than we’ve seen in previous years,” she said.

The analysis was based on Zoopla data covering properties listed for sale as of September 14, 2026, including the number of listings added during the preceding 14 days.