Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Viewings Per Property Halve in Two Years, Propertymark Data Shows
The average number of viewings per property for sale has halved in two years, according to Propertymark's housing report for August. The average now stands at 1.7, down from almost four in August 2024.
Propertymark attributed the drop to "continued affordability pressures" and a "cautious approach" among some buyers. It added that the decline may partly reflect the seasonal slowdown typical of the summer period.
The same data showed that 86% of agents reported properties achieving less than the asking price. Propertymark said the key issue for the industry is the gap between what buyers are prepared to pay and what sellers are willing to accept.
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, said August's figures show a housing market that is functioning, but where momentum remains uneven. More properties are requiring negotiation, making realistic pricing and strong local market knowledge increasingly important for agents managing expectations on both sides. He added that quality of advice matters more than ever, with understanding local conditions, setting realistic expectations and helping clients through a more complex transaction process central to supporting a stable housing market in the months ahead.
Phil Spencer, Founder of Move iQ, said the days of simply putting a property on the market and waiting for competition to do the work are not necessarily here for sellers. Presentation, pricing and choosing the right moment can make a real difference, particularly when buyers are scrutinising value more closely. A seller who prices realistically from the outset is likely to be in a much stronger position than one who has to make repeated reductions later.
Source: The Negotiator