Property Market Blog - 13 November 2026

Fewer Buyers, More Choice: What This Week's Market News Means for Bromley, Beckenham and Kent

If you've been wondering whether the property market has slowed since the Bank of England raised interest rates last week, you're not imagining it. Several new reports landed in the past few days, and the picture is clear: the market is cooling, but it isn't standing still. Here's our plain-English round-up of what matters locally.

Buyers are pausing, and choice is growing

According to The Negotiator, citing new Zoopla data, buyer enquiries were 27% lower than the same week last year, and sales agreed in the week to 8 November were 10.5% down. Homes for sale are up 9% on last year, and Zoopla says higher mortgage rates have cut the average buyer's buying power by around 15% since the start of the year.

The South East shows the widest gap in the country: homes for sale up 12%, sales agreed down 16%, and prices down 0.6% over the year.

Separately, the RICS November survey, also reported by The Negotiator, found the sales outlook at its weakest since July 2023. Surveyors expect prices to ease by around 1% over the next 12 months, and new instructions have slipped as well. One agent quoted in the report said the bad news has brought "more realism" to some sellers.

Rents are under pressure

RICS also reports that tenant demand has returned to modest growth while landlord instructions keep falling. Expectations for rental growth over the next three months are the strongest since early 2024.

Meanwhile, Letting Agent Today reports Ministry of Justice figures showing private landlord possession claims up 21% to 28,249 for July to September, the first quarter to fully reflect the Renters' Rights Act and the end of Section 21. Accelerated possession claims rose 68% on the year, and there are warnings that courts are struggling to cope.

Good news for leaseholders

The Government has announced reforms to leasehold service charges, according to The Negotiator. From 1 April 2027, leaseholders get stronger rights to see what their service charge pays for and to challenge unfair items. Landlords will need court or tribunal approval to pass on their legal costs when charges are challenged. From 1 November 2027, standardised, clearer service charge demands and annual accounts follow. Further reforms are promised before Christmas.

What this means for you

Sellers: Buyers have more homes to choose from, so pricing realistically matters more than ever. Zoopla's Richard Donnell makes exactly that point. A well-presented, fairly priced home still attracts attention. Local conditions vary street by street, so a valuation based on real local evidence is worth more than a headline figure.

Buyers: More choice and a little more room to negotiate. Zoopla reports two-bedroom houses for sale up 14% on last year. It's worth speaking to a mortgage adviser early so you know exactly what you can borrow.

Landlords: With fewer rental homes coming to market and demand picking up, well-presented properties should let well. Make sure your paperwork and process follow the Renters' Rights Act, and ask us if you're unsure where you stand.

Tenants: Competition for homes may be tougher. Register your requirements early and have your referencing details ready so you can move quickly when the right place appears.

Leaseholders and block owners: The new transparency rules are a welcome step. If you're part of an RTM company or a freeholder, now is a good time to review how your service charges are explained.

Our take

The market is adjusting rather than falling off a cliff. Borrowing costs have eased slightly over the last week according to Knight Frank's Tom Bill (quoted by The Negotiator), though nobody is promising a quick rebound. Sensible pricing, good preparation and honest advice make the difference.

Let's have a chat

Thinking of selling, letting or just curious what your home is worth in today's market? We offer a free, no-obligation valuation, with no pressure and no minimum-term contract. Pop into the shop at 187c Southborough Lane, Bromley (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with evening and weekend appointments by arrangement)

David, Sue and Team doing property, properly