More than 54,000 additional homes were listed for sale across England during the first two weeks of September, increasing competition among sellers as the autumn market gets underway.
Research from Yopa found 331,255 homes listed for sale across England on 31 August.
By 14 September, that figure had increased to 385,565 – a rise of 54,310 properties in just two weeks.
That represents a 16% increase in available stock.
The figures suggest the end of the school summer holidays prompted a significant increase in vendors bringing properties to market.
For estate agents, the rise in supply also means sellers face greater competition for buyers as the autumn selling season begins.
Stock jumps 35% in some areas
The increase varied significantly across England.
Rutland recorded the largest percentage rise, with available stock increasing by 35% between the end of August and 14 September.
The Isle of Wight followed with a 34% increase.
Worcestershire and Devon both recorded increases of 20%.
Greater London also saw available stock climb by 20% over the period.
Meanwhile, Oxfordshire, Bristol and Norfolk each recorded increases of 19%. Somerset and Northamptonshire saw stock rise by 18%.
More choice for buyers – and competition for sellers
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, said the increase followed the traditional slowdown during the school summer holidays.
She commented: “The summer holidays traditionally bring a quieter period for the property market, with many sellers choosing to hold off while schools are out and families are focused on getting away.
“But once September arrives, we tend to see the market spring back into action and this year has been no different, with more than 54,000 additional homes hitting the market in just two weeks.
“That’s a substantial increase in such a short period of time and should bring greater choice for buyers who may have also put their plans on hold over the summer months.
“Of course, greater levels of stock also mean more competition amongst sellers, so those coming to market this autumn will need to remain realistic on price if they want to secure a buyer, particularly with the wider market remaining more subdued than we’ve seen in previous years.”
