Move now or wait until 2027? What Telford and Shropshire buyers and sellers should consider
With the end of the year approaching, you may be wondering whether to get moving now or put your plans on hold until 2027.
It is an understandable question. Mortgage costs, household budgets and uncertainty about house prices all influence confidence. But waiting for the “perfect market” can leave you standing still for longer than you intended.
At Mannleys, our advice is to establish what a move would look like for you today. An accurate valuation, a clear budget and an understanding of your options give you something concrete to base your decision on.
The latest national figures help explain the current mood. Zoopla’s September report shows 5% more homes for sale than a year earlier, while sales agreed are down 9%. Buyers have more choice, and higher borrowing costs are making them more careful about what they spend.
Those figures provide useful context, but your decision needs to come back to your property and circumstances. A family home in Wellington, a rural property near Newport and a premium home elsewhere in Shropshire will each attract different buyers. Recent comparable sales and the competition around you matter far more than a national headline alone.
For sellers, moving now means being realistic from the outset. Your asking price needs to stand up against the other homes buyers can view, supported by strong photography, clear information and marketing that reaches the right people.
If you are already on the market, look closely at the response. Online views, viewing appointments, feedback and offers each tell part of the story. A useful review should explain what is happening and what needs to change.
If you are selling and buying, consider both sides of the move together. You may need to negotiate on your sale, while also having room to negotiate on your purchase.
For example, accepting £10,000 less than you hoped for could still leave you in a stronger position if you secure £15,000 off your next home. That depends on the individual properties and negotiations, but it shows why the gap between the two prices deserves attention.
For buyers, greater choice creates an opportunity to compare homes carefully and ask informed questions. Get your finances checked early so you understand your borrowing options, monthly repayments and the full cost of moving. A mortgage adviser can help you assess what is comfortable for your circumstances.
There is no certainty that waiting until 2027 will deliver lower mortgage rates, lower prices or a better choice of suitable homes. Equally, waiting can be sensible if you need time to build your deposit, improve your finances or settle your plans. The reason for waiting should be clear.
You can also prepare now without committing to an immediate launch. Arrange a valuation, speak to an adviser, gather your property paperwork and discuss your preferred timescale. Starting those conversations this autumn can put you in a stronger position for a move next year.
Our view is straightforward: if moving would improve your life and the figures work, it is worth exploring your options now. If they do not, use the time to prepare.
Thinking about a move in Telford or Shropshire? Contact Mannleys for an honest assessment of your home’s value and a practical conversation about your next step.
