IN THE COUNTRY &TOWN Welcome to
Creating the inspiration to move
A House Market On The Move?
At McCarthy Holden we continually invest in supporting our staff with their professional qualifications, funding courses and membership in A.R.L.A. Here the local independent agent proves their worth. From reading the micro‑market street by street to the practical advantages of holding keys and resolving day‑to‑day issues swiftly, local presence is a working advantage that algorithms can’t replicate. Trust underpins it all. Independent agents such as McCarthy Holden invest for the long term because their clients are also their neighbours.And investment in people is the final differentiator: seasoned valuers who can sense demand shifts before the portals reflect them; well‑trained staff who return calls, manage expectations and conduct delicate negotiations with discretion. Whether driven by politics or fundamentals, confidence is edging back. In a market that rewards realism and readiness, the right local partner can make all the difference. For the remainder of 2026, we expect a healthy sales market, with sharp pricing the key to achieving strong results.At the prime end, many well‑informed buyers are looking to secure a property before the October Budget, anticipating the Chancellor will avoid heavy- handed measures on high-value property. For those seeking certainty, transacting now, before the market recalibrates in response to the Budget, could prove a prudent move.
After a muted early summer, momentum is returning to the South East housing market. Home searches across the UK are up 7% year on year, according to Zoopla, and this uplift is mirrored on the ground, with estate agency branches at McCarthy Holden reporting visibly higher buyer activity. Whether this is the first flicker of a “Burnham bounce” following the arrival of a new Prime Minister this summer, or simply the natural release of pent‑up demand after two slower years, the effect is the same: more viewings, faster decision‑making and a renewed sense of purpose among serious movers. In the South East, where lifestyle and connectivity sit side by side, the rebound feels especially tangible. Family buyers are out in force for school‑adjacent streets; downsizers are active in well‑served market towns; and hybrid workers are rediscovering the sweet spot of village living within an hour of London. Sensibly priced homes are attracting competitive interest, and well‑presented stock is translating into agreed sales on realistic timetables. On the lettings front, the picture is different on the supply side. Post Renters Rights Act, there remains a shortage of quality properties to let, and some tenants are paying more than they would have this time last year. The initial turbulence around the legislation has now settled, but the structural imbalance persists: demand remains strong and supply constrained. One clear shift is landlord behaviour.A higher proportion are entrusting their properties to qualified A.R.L.A. agents, recognising that the complexity of compliance, safety standards and evolving tenant rights makes “tenant‑find only” a riskier route. Full professional management is increasingly seen not as a cost, but as prudent protection.
John Holden - Chairman McCarthy Holden
Published by Kilbricken Publishing and John Joe Photography Limited,Telephone: 07470 707275, email jjtopshot@outlook.com, web johnjoe.co.uk. Publishing 2022 - All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the publishers.The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer or contract. John Joe Limited cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors.
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