As a disappointing summer draws to a close, signs of autumn are already beginning. Traditionally a season in which plenty of activity in the housing market is experienced, autumn is the ideal time to buy and sell properties before Christmas.

Nevertheless, it is common knowledge that the economic downturn has brought the housing market in the UK to its knees and there is no indication that a recovery will begin any time soon. However, it is important to note that this analysis of the UK housing market is based on nationwide trends and is, therefore, somewhat misleading.

Taking the average price of a home in the UK as an example, the figure of £198,939, which was assessed in May 2009, represents a 9% drop on the previous year’s figure. This figure comprises the average costs for all properties. However, the figure does not look at the median selling prices for properties of each type and overlooks regional trends. For instance, during the annual period to May 2009, average property prices dropped by 20.7% in Rutland, whereas they rose by 9% in Windsor and Maidenhead. In short, the housing market in the UK will not always accurately reflect the region in which a seller or buyer will do business.

Homeowners who wish to sell up are urged to spend the remainder of the summer making home improvements to their homes with a view to putting them on the market in the autumn – it is certainly worth testing the market despite a nationwide slump. Typically speaking, properties will sell for 10% less than advertised and will take 2/3 months on average to sell, but home improvements can help to improve these trends.

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