At the start of the year, there was a feeling that the property market might start to move a little more freely. Interest rates had come down from their peak, buyers were starting to look again, and there was a bit more confidence in the market.
Since then, things have become a little more uncertain. The wider political climate, global events, inflation concerns and questions around future interest rates have made some buyers more cautious.
That does not mean the market has stopped. It just means the numbers need to be looked at properly.
Nationally, prices are not running away. The latest ONS figures show average UK house prices were unchanged over the year to March 2026, sitting at around £268,000. In England, average prices were down 0.6% over the same period. Rents are still moving upwards, with average UK private rents increasing by 3.5% in the year to April 2026.
Rightmove’s May House Price Index shows a similar picture from the asking price side. The average price of property coming to market increased by 1.2% in May to £378,304, but the national annual figure was still down 0.3%. Rightmove also reported that the South East was down 1.6% year on year, while buyer choice is at its highest level for this time of year since 2015.
That matters in Kent.
Rightmove sold price data shows Kent had an average sold price of £428,200 over the last year. Terraced properties averaged £366,179, semi detached homes averaged £444,339, and detached homes averaged £650,921. Overall, Kent sold prices were broadly similar to the previous year and around 1% below the 2022 peak.
So Kent is not falling apart, but it is also not a market where sellers can just name a price and expect buyers to chase it.
On the rental side, the picture is still strong. ONS local rental data shows average rents in Kent towns have continued to rise. Folkestone and Hythe saw average private rents increase by 8.7% in the year to April 2026. Maidstone was up 4.0%, Canterbury was up 5.3%, and Medway was up 3.9%.
That tells me there is still real demand for housing in Kent. People still need somewhere to live. But buyers are being more careful when it comes to what they are prepared to pay.
Rightmove also reported that homes that did not need a price reduction sold in 36 days, compared with 127 days for homes that needed a reduction. That is a big difference, and it shows why pricing correctly from the start is so important.
The Guardian also reported that Halifax had reduced its view on annual house price growth, with UK house prices falling slightly in April for the second month in a row. The article pointed to wider uncertainty, including global events, inflation expectations and concerns around future interest rates, as reasons why some buyers are taking more time before committing.
That may sound negative, but I do not see it that way.
When there is uncertainty in the market, there is often opportunity. Some vendors become more realistic. Some buyers step back. Some properties sit for longer than they should. That is usually where a more practical solution can work.
For us, this is still a market where we are looking to buy and sell.
We are still marketing completed projects, but we are also actively looking for new opportunities across Kent. The key is being realistic with the numbers, understanding that buyers have more choice, and making sure any offer properly reflects the current market.
Good properties, priced and presented properly, can still sell. Problem properties, vacant homes, dated houses and unusual situations can also create good opportunities if they are handled properly.
If you know of a property in Kent that is struggling to sell, or where the vendor may need a more practical solution, I would be interested to have a conversation.