22nd May 2026
A little end-of-week reflection…
After nearly 40 years of working in local High Street estate agency, stepping away to become a Personal Agent with TAUK was a huge decision — and one I genuinely wish I’d made sooner.
This morning, walking around the Cowdray polo fields with my son, coffee in hand and the sun shining, it really hit me just how much life has changed for the better. Less stress. More balance. More time with family. And importantly, better results for my clients.
In just a few months, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in helping so many people in their moving plans around Midhurst and the surrounding areas, and have more exciting homes launching very soon. Having the flexibility to dedicate more time, marketing exposure and personal attention to every client has made a massive difference — and the results are speaking for themselves.
What’s surprised me most is the strength of the TAUK network. The level of support, collaboration and quality within the group is exceptional, and it’s exciting to be part of something that is genuinely changing the way estate agency works.
To everyone who has supported me so far — thank you. Here’s to the next chapter.
Properties not selling!
13th May 2025
Almost half of UK homes listed on the property market in the past three years have failed to sell, according to new analysis from Zoopla.
The portal’s research, conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults who listed their home in the past three years, finds the biggest factor isn’t the market, it’s the seller’s approach to pricing.
Among those who didn’t sell, over a third (34%) admit the price their home was listed at was, in hindsight, ‘too high’ having thought it was a ‘fair price’ at the outset.
Among those who did sell, 53% of respondents had to cut their asking price to attract a buyer.
Additional Zoopla data shows that the average home sold for 3.5% below the asking price in Q1 2026 — equivalent to £18,800 below the original asking price.
Zoopla claims that its analysis of recent listings, that sold and didn’t sell, reinforces these findings: every 5% a home is priced above the local market average, for that size and type of home, cuts the odds of selling by around 5%, and 10% over the average cuts the odds by 10%.
It says this highlights the importance of carefully pricing homes at the right level to attract sufficient buyer demand and boost the chances of a sale.
Don’t price your home around the home you want to buy
More than one in five (21%) admit they set their asking price based on what they needed for their next home, not what their current home was worth on the open market.
Just over half (52%) of sellers under 35 successfully sold their home, compared with 63% of those aged 65 and over highlighting different success rates by life stage.
For under-35s’ the main reason for selling is trading up to a larger home (44%). While for sellers aged 65 and over, the primary motive is downsizing (34%).
Trading up means you need the proceeds from your sale to fund the next move; downsizing means you release equity from it.
That pressure shows up in pricing. Among under-35 non-sellers a fifth (20%) knowingly overpriced, the temptation to push to the figure needed for the next purchase is hard to resist.
Older sellers, with more equity built up and less need to stretch, are more likely to price closer to the market and complete more often.
The lesson is clear: the asking price for any home has to reflect what current buyers in the market will pay, rather than what the seller might need to unlock their next move.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, says: “Almost half of homes listed never sell. That isn’t down to luck or the market, it comes down to a few decisions, starting with understanding what your home is actually worth today.
“The average homeowner selling in 2025 had been in their home for nine years, meaning many owners are out of touch with what their home may be worth.
“Online tools are a great starting point for keeping track of what your home is worth.
“Over six million homeowners track their property value on Zoopla, which is free and updates with the local market each month.
“When it comes to actually selling, sellers need specifics — and that’s where speaking to several trusted local agents who know the area and the buyers actively looking can guide sellers on how to price and market their home for a sale.”
Image and information taken from propertyindustryeye.com
Stay up to date with the latest property news and market updates from Midhurst and the surrounding villages. Here you will find insights into local house prices, buyer demand and general trends affecting the local property market.
9th April 2026
Downsizing…
Thinking of downsizing in Midhurst… but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone.
Right now with Spring arriving, many people start to consider downsizing as the logical next step. Less maintenance. Lower bills. Releasing equity.
But in reality… it’s rarely that straightforward.
As a local agent in the Midhurst area for nearly forty years, I have dealt with hundreds of people who feel downsizing is the right thing to do, but find it very daunting to do so. In fact, I think it is the hardest move to make in life.
Here’s why –
1. There simply aren’t enough suitable homes
Across the Midhurst & Petworth areas, there is a shortage of age-appropriate housing, particularly bungalows and well-designed smaller homes.
Only a fraction of the homes needed for older buyers are being built each year
Many buyers want “smaller but not compromised” homes – space, parking, location still matter
Locally, this is even more pronounced in desirable areas like Midhurst where supply is tight
Result: People want to move… but can’t find the right property.
2. The process feels too stressful and slow
Over 55% of people aged 65–74 say the moving process is the biggest barrier to downsizing.
Chains, delays, uncertainty—it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been in your home for decades.
3. Emotional attachment is huge
Your home isn’t just bricks and mortar.
It’s where families were raised, milestones happened, memories were built.
For many, this is one of the biggest reasons people stay put – even when the house no longer suits their needs.
4. Financial barriers can be off-putting
Stamp duty
Legal fees
Moving costs
These can make downsizing feel like you’re paying to move backwards—even if the long-term benefits are clear.
5. The surprising truth: many people want to downsize… but don’t
Around 25% of over-65s would like to downsize but feel unable to
Millions are effectively “stuck” in homes that no longer suit their lifestyle
Why This Matters Locally (Midhurst & Surrounding Villages)
In areas like Midhurst:
Larger family homes are often under-occupied
Demand from growing families remains strong
Downsizing could unlock significant movement in the local market
But without the right support and strategy, many homeowners simply stay where they are.
How I Can Help You Downsize – The Right Way
As a TAUK Personal Agent, my role is not just to sell your home – it’s to manage the entire transition.
Here’s how I make downsizing achievable:
Strategic Planning (Before You Even Go to Market)
Honest advice on timing, pricing, and realistic options
Identifying suitable onward properties early
Access to the Right Buyers
Targeted marketing to proceedable buyers
Creating competition to maximise your sale price
Chain Management & Stress Reduction
Proactive communication throughout
Keeping everything moving to avoid delays
Tailored Approach
Understanding your personal situation (not just the property)
Helping you move when it feels right, not rushed
The Key Takeaway
Downsizing isn’t just a property decision – it’s a life decision.
And when done properly, it can unlock:
Financial freedom
A more manageable lifestyle
A home that works for the next chapter
Considering a Move?
If you’ve been thinking about downsizing but haven’t taken the next step, you’re not alone – and you’re not stuck.
Let’s have a straightforward conversation about your options.
Christian Budd
Personal Agent for TAUK