Ed Tranmer from Wharfedale estate agents Tranmer White serves up his view of the current housing market and why realistic pricing could give you an advantage when it comes to selling your home.

The housing market has long been viewed as a ladder, with movers at differing life stages either stepping up or down.

However, we could perhaps view property transactions as a tennis match with buyers and sellers scoring points via back-and-forth negotiations and post-survey queries while at the same time complaining about the speed of play, so often dictated by their solicitor.

As agents we’re often required to act as umpires, ensuring rules are followed and that, ideally, both players feel as though they’ve had a fair rub of the green.

The early part of this year has been somewhat up and down. January and February saw a very active market after the lull between the autumn budget and Christmas, with a notable increase in ‘Best & Final’ offer scenarios with multiple bidding parties.

In March, a sudden break in play was brought about by President Tump as the actions of his holiness resulted in soaring fuel prices, talk of mortgage interest rate rises and a general feeling of economic uncertainty.

While the picture has improved as we head through spring and into summer, one fact remains the same – correct pricing is forever a winning serve.

There is always a range within which a property could be priced. Time and time again in 2026 we have found that clients willing to price their home at the competitive end of that range are winning championship points and making their moves happen – often with frenzied interest from multiple purchasers willing to vie for a home that hasn’t priced itself out of the market.

So, to win the match despite some tricky weather and a tough opponent, my advice would be to wear the correct tennis shoes for the conditions, not the most expensive ones.

139 Bolling Road, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley LS29 8PN
W: tranmerwhite.co.uk
T: 01943 661141