Your house has been on the market for weeks. The viewings have slowed, the feedback is vague, and your agent has started mentioning the price. Cutting it feels like admitting defeat. But the numbers are clear: homes priced right from the start sell months faster. Here's how to decide whether to reduce, and by how much.
What could your home earn?
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Key takeaways
- 32% of homes on the market had a price reduction in May 2026.
- Homes priced right from the start sold in 36 days on average, against 127 days for reduced homes.
- Try better photos, presentation and feedback before cutting the price.
- Make any reduction big enough to be noticed, ideally into a lower search band.
- If you choose to wait, short stays can cover the costs of an empty home.
Contents
- How many sellers reduce their asking price?
- Does reducing the price help you sell faster?
- What are the signs your price is too high?
- What should you try before cutting the price?
- How much should you reduce your price by?
- When is the best time to reduce?
- What if you can't afford to reduce?
- Frequently asked questions
How many sellers reduce their asking price?
Plenty. In May 2026, Rightmove data showed that 32% of existing properties on the market have already seen a price reduction. You're far from alone.
Does reducing the price help you sell faster?
The bigger lesson is to get the price right at the start. Rightmove's figures show that Homes that do not require a price reduction spend an average of 36 days on the market, while Properties that need to be reduced take an average of 127 days to sell. That's around three months longer, largely down to starting too high.
What are the signs your price is too high?
- Few or no viewings in the first two or three weeks.
- Viewings, but no offers.
- Feedback that the house is "nice, but not for that money".
- Similar homes nearby selling for less than your asking price.
- Your listing slipping down the portal results as newer homes come on.
What should you try before cutting the price?
- Better photos and a better description. Most buyers decide from the photos.
- A fresh look at presentation: declutter, repair small faults, and make the home feel warm and cared for.
- Honest feedback from your agent on what buyers are saying.
- A check of recent sold prices nearby, not just other asking prices.
How much should you reduce your price by?
Enough to make a difference. A small cut often goes unnoticed. Many buyers search in price bands, such as up to £300,000 or up to £400,000, so a reduction that moves your home into a lower band can put it in front of a whole new group of buyers. Agree the new figure with your agent, based on recent local sales.
When is the best time to reduce?
If you've had little interest after three or four weeks, act then, rather than waiting months. Rightmove's July 2026 figures put the average time from listing to completion at 216 days, and every extra month on the market means another month of bills.
What if you can't afford to reduce?
If you need a certain price, for example to cover your mortgage, you may choose to wait. If the house is empty while you wait, short stays can help cover the monthly costs, with viewings always put first.
Frequently asked questions
When should I reduce my asking price?
If you've had little interest after three or four weeks, talk to your agent then.
How much should I reduce my asking price by?
Enough to be noticed, ideally moving the home into a lower search price band, based on recent local sales.
Do reduced homes sell more slowly?
On average, yes. Rightmove found homes that needed a reduction took 127 days to sell, against 36 days for those that didn't.
Will a price cut put buyers off?
Usually not. It can bring your home to buyers who wouldn't have seen it before.
What can I do instead of reducing?
Improve the photos and presentation, and check your price against recent sold prices nearby.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax or insurance advice. Market figures are averages as of the date shown above and change every month. Speak to a qualified professional before you act on anything here.