September is always the busiest month of our year, and this one has been no exception.
Base Rate Held at 3.75% — Again
On 17 September, the Bank of England voted 6-3 to hold the base rate at 3.75%. Three members pushed for a rise to 4%, which is worth noting — the direction of travel from here is more likely up than down. Lenders responded quickly: some of the recent mortgage-rate improvements have started to unwind, and several two-year fixes crept back up toward 5.59%.
Practical takeaway: if you're a buyer, lock in a rate now rather than wait. If you're a seller, price sensibly — buyers are still active, but they're doing sums.
The National Picture
The main indices are telling slightly different stories, which is normal:
- Nationwide reported annual house price growth of +1.6% in September.
- Rightmove saw asking prices for new listings dip -1.0% month-on-month — a normal autumn correction as sellers price for movement.
- The Bank of England has flagged a "softening" in demand nationally, especially in new build.
What It Means in Chorley
Locally, we're firmly in motivated-buyer season. The families who spent the summer thinking about moving are now booking viewings — they want to be in a new home before Christmas, and that's a hard deadline that drives real offers.
Family homes in Astley Village, Euxton, Buckshaw and Whittle-le-Woods are moving quickly if the price is right. Central Chorley terraces around £150k–£200k are getting multiple viewings on day one. Bungalows are, as ever, gold dust.
And Something Nice: Chorley Live is Back
On a lighter note — Chorley Live wristbands went on sale on 16 September for the festival on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October. Two nights of live music across the town centre, 7pm to 11pm. If you haven't been before, get a wristband. It's genuinely one of the best weekends of the year in Chorley.
Autumn is Your Window
You've got roughly six weeks from now to get sold and moved by Christmas. If that's what you're aiming for, get your home to market this week or next. Photography, floorplans and portal launch don't happen overnight.
Book a free valuation and we'll come out to have a proper look. Honest advice, no pressure.