Many homeowners are waiting for autumn, lower mortgage rates or a more certain market before selling. But when everyone waits for the same moment, competition can arrive with them. Sometimes moving before the crowd creates the better opportunity.

Summer traditionally slows the property market, but September changes the rhythm. Buyers return, routines restart and activity typically rises. If moving before Christmas is even remotely on your radar, the next few weeks could matter more than you think.

Mortgage rates remain above 5% on average, but the picture is more nuanced than the headline suggests. If you are buying, selling or simply wondering whether to wait, here is what the latest mortgage market actually means for your next move.

Around 4.3 million households headed by someone aged 65 or over have at least 2 spare bedrooms. But moving to a smaller home is about far more than bedrooms. Here is how to work out whether rightsizing could improve your finances, lifestyle and future.