A Picnic with Plenty of Space, Brentwood Market Demand — September 2026
Do you ever look at those eye-watering price tags on houses in the local paper and think, "Surely nobody is actually paying that?" It is a question I get asked all the time while grabbing a coffee on the Brentwood high street. People see a grand home in Stondon Massey or a posh spot in Shenfield and assume the market is a runaway train that nobody can catch.
But here is a little secret from your neighbour in the know: the Brentwood property market right now isn’t a frantic dash; it is much more like a leisurely Sunday picnic in Epping Forest where there is plenty of room to spread out your blanket. In CM15, from the quiet lanes of Doddinghurst to the bustling heart of Shenfield, the "power" has shifted. Right now, we are firmly in a "buyer's market."
Imagine walking into a bakery. If there is only one loaf of bread left and ten hungry people behind you, you’ll pay anything to get it. That is a seller's market. But right now in Brentwood, it’s like the baker has just put out a fresh batch of 278 loaves, and there are only a few shoppers in the store. You can take your time, look for the best crust, and maybe even ask for a little discount.
This month, the number of homes available for sale has ticked up by 8, rising from 270 to 278 properties. While 8 might not sound like a huge number, it means the "choice" for people looking to move here is growing. We are seeing about 18 homes find new owners every month. When you compare those 18 sales to the 278 homes sitting on the shelf, you realise that buyers aren't exactly tripping over each other to put in offers.
What does this mean for you?
If you are selling your home, you have to realise you have more "company" than you might like. With 278 other properties for sale, your home needs to look its absolute best to stand out. Think of it like a beauty pageant—if you want to be the one picked, you need the best photos, the tidiest garden, and a price that makes sense. People are paying, on average, about £564,846 for a home here lately, even though the average asking price is a bit higher at £606,100. That gap tells us that buyers are successfully haggling.
If you are looking to buy, this is fantastic news. You have more choice today than you did last month. You don't need to panic or rush into a decision because you’re worried someone will snatch a house away in minutes. You have the breathing room to check the boiler, look at the school catchments, and really decide if that kitchen is right for you.
For my neighbours who are staying put, keep an eye on those stock levels. When the number of homes for sale goes up like this, it usually keeps a lid on prices. It’s a stable, calm time for our local area. Whether you’re looking at a cottage in Kelvedon Hatch or a family home in Hook End, the message for September is clear: there is plenty of choice, so there is no need to rush your fences.