Mannleys Market Update – July 2026
Welcome to this month’s property market update from Mannleys Sales & Lettings. Here’s a roundup of where things stand right now — and what to keep an eye on in the coming months.
Market Confidence Holds Firm as Property Movers Become More Realistic
The latest research from OnTheMarket paints an encouraging picture of the UK property market: buyers, sellers and renters remain determined to move, but their expectations are becoming more closely aligned with current market conditions.
For anyone considering a move in Telford, Shropshire or the surrounding areas, this is an important shift. The market has not stopped, but success increasingly depends on sensible pricing, thorough preparation and advice grounded in real evidence.
Buyers remain ready to move
According to OnTheMarket's July 2026 Property Sentiment Index, 66% of buyers are confident they will be able to raise the funds needed to purchase their next home. This confidence has remained steady despite economic uncertainty and changing expectations around interest rates.
It suggests that serious buyers are still active. Rather than waiting indefinitely for the "perfect" market, many are choosing to move when the right home becomes available and their personal circumstances allow.
However, buyers are understandably careful. They are comparing properties closely, considering monthly affordability and expecting asking prices to reflect both condition and location. Sellers therefore need to capture attention from the moment their property launches.
Realistic pricing is becoming even more important
The report reveals a notable change in expectations around house prices. Just 31% of property seekers now expect prices to rise during the next 12 months, compared with 41% in March 2026 and 51% in September 2025.
This does not necessarily signal a lack of confidence. Instead, it points to a more measured market in which buyers and sellers are becoming realistic about value.
For sellers, the message is clear: the initial asking price matters. Launching too high can reduce enquiries, extend the time spent on the market and make a property appear stale. A carefully researched price can generate greater early interest, create competition and put the seller in a stronger negotiating position.
Realistic pricing does not mean underselling your home. It means positioning it effectively so that the right buyers see its value and feel confident arranging a viewing.
Preparation can prevent avoidable delays
Both buyers and sellers remain optimistic about timescales, with 67% expecting to complete their transaction within six months. Nevertheless, around one-third anticipate that the process will take longer, reflecting the continuing complexity of chains, mortgage applications, surveys and conveyancing.
Preparation is therefore vital. Sellers can help by instructing a solicitor early, completing property information forms promptly and identifying any title, boundary, leasehold or probate issues before they delay an agreed sale. Buyers should arrange an Agreement in Principle, organise proof of funds and be clear about their own position before making an offer.
Choosing a proactive estate agent is equally important. Regular communication, careful chain management and early identification of potential problems can make a significant difference between a sale that progresses and one that loses momentum.
What are buyers searching for?
OnTheMarket's search data also offers useful insight into the features buyers value most. Gardens and garages take the top two positions, followed by rural locations. Parking, land, freehold ownership, character features, outbuildings, cottages and annexes also appear among the ten most-searched terms.
That is particularly encouraging for the Shropshire market, where many homes offer the space, character and lifestyle buyers are actively seeking. These features must be clearly presented through professional photography, floorplans, video and accurate descriptions rather than being left for buyers to discover by chance.
New-build homes also remain firmly in consideration, with 40% of property seekers open to buying one. Energy efficiency and lower running costs are the leading attractions, alongside modern design, easier purchasing and the opportunity to personalise a home.
Confidence remains strong in the rental market
The rental market also continues to show remarkable resilience. Some 88% of renters surveyed expect to find a suitable property and receive the keys within six months, with 72% believing they will move in less than three months.
For landlords, this demonstrates that demand remains strong, but tenants are becoming increasingly selective about the homes they choose. Gardens, parking and garages are the three most-searched rental features, while bills included, balconies, pet-friendly homes, two bathrooms, ensuites, ground-floor accommodation and furnished properties are also in demand.
Landlords should ensure these features are highlighted prominently in the photography and description rather than being treated as minor details. A well-presented home, marketed at a realistic rent and supported by clear information from the outset, is more likely to attract suitable applicants and secure a successful, longer-term tenancy.
The changing regulatory landscape also makes professional guidance increasingly valuable. Landlords need to ensure their property, documentation and management arrangements remain compliant with current legislation while continuing to provide the standard of home tenants expect. Careful referencing, affordability checks and properly prepared tenancy documentation help protect both the landlord and the tenant.
For tenants, preparation can make the search much smoother. Having identification, proof of income, references and other supporting information ready can reduce delays once the right property becomes available. It is also important to be clear about priorities such as pets, parking, furnishings and the preferred moving date when registering for a property search.
While competition for high-quality rental homes remains, the findings show that tenants remain optimistic and ready to act. This creates opportunities for responsible landlords who offer well-maintained, accurately marketed properties and for tenants who are fully prepared when a suitable home reaches the market.
A resilient market rewards the well prepared
The overriding message is positive: people still want and need to move. Confidence remains resilient, but today's market rewards sellers and landlords who price sensibly, buyers and tenants who prepare properly, and agents who manage the process proactively from the initial marketing through to completion or occupation.
If you are considering selling, buying, letting, renting or investing, speak to Mannleys Sales & Lettings for honest, evidence-based advice tailored to your property and your plans.
Source: OnTheMarket Property Sentiment Index, July 2026. Research included 2,550 active property seekers surveyed during June 2026, together with a YouGov survey of 4,197 UK adults.