2026 Part 2: Property Predictions for GU29

For GU29 (Midhurst, Easebourne, Lodsworth and surrounding villages), I expect the next 6 months to be a reasonably balanced market rather than a boom or a significant downturn.

My forecast (July 2026 – January 2027)

Why I think this

1. Demand remains healthy in GU29

GU29 continues to attract London buyers, retirees and people seeking countryside living.

Supply remains relatively constrained compared with many towns.

The South Downs location gives the area long-term desirability.

2. Buyers are becoming more price sensitive
   Across the UK, buyers have more choice than they did during the post-COVID boom. Correct pricing is becoming much more important than simply listing a property. Nationally, the market is active but selective.
3. Local prices have stabilised
   Recent data suggests:

Average sold prices in GU29 are around £526,000 over the past year.

That's roughly 4% below last year and well below the 2022 peak, suggesting much of the correction has already occurred.

Meanwhile, listing data shows:

Average asking prices around £626,000

Typical selling time around 19 weeks

Average reductions before sale of only 1.7%, indicating sellers are not under heavy pressure.

What I expect by property type

Detached period houses (£800k–£1.5m)

Should perform best.

Scarcity and lifestyle appeal remain strong.

Family homes (£500k–£800k)

Probably the strongest part of the market.

Plenty of demand from movers.

Flats

More competition.

Buyers remain cautious because of service charges and lease issues.

Renovation projects

Could attract increased interest if priced realistically, as buyers look for value.

Risks to the forecast

Things that could weaken the market:

Mortgage rates staying higher than expected.

Weaker UK economic growth.

Rising unemployment reducing buyer confidence.

Things that could strengthen it:

Further Bank of England rate cuts.

Increased demand from London buyers.

Continued shortage of quality homes coming to market.

Overall outlook

I would describe GU29 as a stable, resilient market over the next six months.

I don't expect a significant fall unless there's a major economic shock.

Equally, I don't expect rapid price growth.

Realistically, 0–2% price growth with well-priced homes continuing to sell is the most likely scenario.

If you're thinking specifically about selling, pricing accurately from day one will matter more than in recent years. Well-presented homes in desirable villages around Midhurst should continue to attract good interest, while overpriced properties are likely to sit on the market longer and require reductions.

Month-by-month commentary

July

Plenty of viewings before the school holidays.

Buyers have good mortgage availability.

Correctly priced homes should sell within 4–8 weeks.

Forecast: Stable market with a slight upward bias.

August

The quietest month of the year.

Expect:

Fewer viewings

Fewer new listings

Little movement in prices

This isn't usually a bad time to sell because competition is lower, but buyer numbers are also reduced.

Forecast: Flat.

September

Historically the strongest autumn month.

Expect:

More London buyers looking for countryside homes.

Higher viewing numbers.

More offers being agreed.

If mortgage rates remain stable, this could be the best month of the period.

Forecast: Approximately +0.3–0.5%.

October

Momentum continues from September.

Detached houses and family homes tend to perform well.

Estate agents are often busy progressing chains before Christmas.

Forecast: Slight further increase.

November

The market begins to cool.

Buyers become:

More selective.

More price-conscious.

Willing to negotiate.

Good properties still sell well, but overpriced homes may start seeing reductions.

Forecast: Stable.

December / Early January

December is traditionally quiet, with fewer transactions.

However, Boxing Day and the first two weeks of January are often among the busiest periods online for property searches, as people start planning moves for the new year.

If borrowing costs remain supportive, I would expect renewed interest in January.

Forecast: Flat through December, with improving sentiment into January.

My overall expectation for GU29

Likelihood of prices rising: ~60%

Likelihood of prices remaining broadly flat: ~30%

Likelihood of prices falling by more than 3%: ~10%

GU29 has historically been more resilient than many UK markets because of its attractive villages, South Downs setting, and limited housing supply. Unless there's an unexpected economic shock, I expect a steady rather than spectacular market, with the strongest activity concentrated in September and October and overall price growth of around 1–2% over the six-month period.

If you're thinking specifically about selling, pricing accurately from day one will matter more than in recent years. Well-presented homes in desirable villages around Midhurst should continue to attract good interest, while overpriced properties are likely to sit on the market longer and require reductions.