There are a few signs that the property market might be waking up as we head into autumn.

Rightmove’s latest figures show that average asking prices for newly listed homes have risen by 0.7% this month (£2,441), taking the national average to £367,440. It’s the first monthly increase since May and slightly above the usual September rise of 0.5%.

It’s too early to say the market has suddenly turned a corner, but it does suggest buyers and sellers may be becoming a little more active.

There’s still plenty of choice and opportunity for buyers

Buyers currently have plenty of choice, with the number of homes available at a 12-year high for this time of year, while buyer enquiries are 9% lower than last year.

That makes sensible pricing particularly important for sellers. Rightmove reports that 74% of homes sold so far this year were priced correctly from the outset, without needing a price reduction.

For buyers, there’s opportunity too. Mortgage affordability remains a consideration, with the average two-year fixed rate rising to 5.29% from 5.09% last month. Knowing what you can comfortably afford before you start looking is more important than ever.

But with plenty of properties available and sellers competing for buyers, there’s no need to rush. Take your time, know your budget and look carefully at what’s available.

And remember, national figures only tell part of the story. The market for a particular type of property in a particular part of York can look very different from the wider picture.

What’s happening in York?

Rightmove’s latest local figures put the average asking price in York at £334,590, with properties currently taking an average of 69 days to find a buyer. Asking prices in York are 1% lower than this time last year.

So, while we’re seeing some signs of an autumn pick-up nationally, York sellers still need to be realistic about the market they’re entering.

A sensibly priced, well-presented property can stand out amongst the large amount of choice available to buyers. An ambitious asking price, on the other hand, can mean fewer viewings, fewer offers and eventually a price reduction.

Sometimes, it pays to go back to the old-fashioned way of doing things

We know that most buyers now spend hours scrolling through Rightmove, saving properties and arranging viewings online. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But if you’re serious about finding a good deal, don’t underestimate the value of actually talking to an estate agent.

Tell us what you’re looking for, what your budget really is, what you’re willing to compromise on and what you absolutely aren’t. Most importantly, be open and honest about your circumstances and how ready you are to move.

The more we know, the more useful we can be.

There may be properties that don’t immediately appear on your search, sellers who are more motivated than their asking price suggests, or opportunities where being a proceedable buyer puts you in a stronger position.

So don’t just rely on your Rightmove alerts. Tell your local agents what you’re looking for and let them know you’re serious. You might just hear about something other buyers haven’t spotted.

So, what does this mean if you’re thinking of moving?

If you’re selling: price it properly from day one. Buyers have plenty of choice, so getting the price and presentation right from the outset really matters.

If you’re buying: there is opportunity in the current market. Get your finances sorted, be clear about what you want and don’t be afraid to have a proper conversation with an agent.

And if you’ve been waiting for the market to become ‘better’, there probably isn’t going to be one magical moment when that happens. The property market is always moving. What matters is understanding your local market, your own circumstances and what is realistic for the property you’re buying or selling.

Our view

September’s figures are encouraging and suggest the traditional autumn increase in activity may be starting. But we’re not going to pretend the market has suddenly become easy.

There is still plenty of competition between sellers, buyers remain price-sensitive and mortgage affordability continues to influence decisions. For us, that makes honest, accurate advice more important than ever.

If you’re thinking about selling in York, we’d much rather give you a realistic picture of what your property is likely to achieve, even if it isn’t the number you were hoping to hear.

And if you’re buying, we’d much rather have a proper conversation about what you’re looking for than simply point you towards a list of properties and leave you to it.

Because property is still, at its heart, about people.

Good advice, honest conversations and knowing your local market can make a hell of a difference.

That’s what we believe estate agency should be about.