Spring is traditionally the busiest period in the Crawley property calendar, and 2026 has been no exception. With longer days, the school year drawing to a close, and interest rates settling into a more predictable pattern than they’ve been in three years, our office has seen activity climb steadily through April and into May.

In this month’s update, I want to give you a quick overview of where the market is right now, share what we’re seeing on the ground here in Crawley, and offer some practical advice if you’re thinking of making a move this year.

Where Crawley house prices stand in May 2026

The wider South East market continues its measured recovery from the volatility of late 2022 to mid-2024. Average asking prices in the RH10 and RH11 postcodes have held firm year-on-year, with modest increases on family-sized properties (3-bedroom semis and 4-bedroom detached homes), and slight softening at the upper end of the apartment market.

Across our portfolio in May, we’re consistently achieving around 99% of asking price — well above the UK average of 97%. The properties going closest to (or above) asking continue to be well-presented family homes in established areas like Pound Hill, Maidenbower, Worth, and Furnace Green.

The story varies sharply by property type:

• Family houses (3–4 bed) — competitive, often with multiple offers within the first two weeks of marketing
• First-time-buyer flats — steady demand, particularly within walking distance of Three Bridges and Crawley stations
• Bungalows — perennial favourites, almost always selling above guide
• Larger detached homes — slower, but achieving strong prices when patience is applied

If you’d like to know how your specific property is performing against current market conditions, our free property valuation is the best starting point — choose either an instant online estimate or an in-home appraisal from one of our local valuers.

The lettings market — record demand, evolving rules

The lettings market in Crawley remains exceptionally tight. We continue to see 20+ qualified applicants per available property in the most in-demand areas. Average void periods are well under our standard 99-day benchmark — typically around 14 days for well-presented properties priced correctly from day one.

Two themes dominate landlord conversations this month:

1. The Renters’ Rights Act bedding in. The phased rollout of the Act continues to add compliance steps, but the changes are now better understood by most landlords. The biggest practical impact remains the abolition of fixed-term tenancies — every new tenancy is now periodic from the outset. As a fully managed landlord with Homes Partnership, you have no extra work; we handle the new obligations on your behalf.
2. EPC and MEES tightening. With the move from RdSAP 9.94 to the new RdSAP 10 software (which we covered in our June 2025 article), many landlords are reassessing whether their properties’ EPC ratings reflect actual improvements they’ve made. If you’ve added insulation, upgraded heating, or installed solar in recent years, it’s worth a fresh assessment.

Rental yields remain strong across our coverage area, with the highest currently coming from converted HMOs in central Crawley and well-located 2-bed flats near transport links. If you’re considering letting your property for the first time or thinking about switching agents, May is a great month to plan — the summer rental peak is just ahead.

What we’re seeing on the ground

A few specific patterns worth flagging from our office this month:

• First-time buyers are back in force. With mortgage rates having eased from the highs of 2023 and lender criteria loosening slightly, FTBs have accounted for over 40% of our agreed sales in April and early May. Many are coming from London (commuter migration via Three Bridges and Gatwick) — they tend to be well-prepared, with Mortgages in Principle ready and decisive when the right property comes up.
• Probate sales are notably higher this spring. We’ve handled more probate properties in Q2 than in any equivalent period since 2022. If you’re an executor managing an estate, our probate valuation service, and our team handles these sensitively and discreetly.
• Buy-to-let landlords are testing the water. After two years of net portfolio reduction nationally, we’re starting to see new BTL investors returning — particularly from outside the immediate area, looking for higher yields than they can achieve in inner London or the home counties commuter belt.

If you’re thinking of making a move this year

A few thoughts based on what’s working right now:

• If you’re selling, accurate pricing from day one is critical. The properties achieving 100%+ of asking are universally the ones that came to market at a sensible figure with strong photography and 3D tours — not the ones that started high and reduced. Book a free valuation to ground your expectations in the current market.
• If you’re letting, expect quick interest, but don’t compromise on tenant quality — referencing standards remain our number one priority. We turn down more applicants than we accept.
• If you’re buying, get yourself in front of agents now — most of the best properties this summer will sell off-market or in the first weekend of marketing. Register with us to be notified before properties reach Rightmove and Zoopla.

As always, if you’d like to discuss your specific situation — whether you’re a seller, landlord, tenant, or buyer — please do get in touch on 01293 529999 or pop into the office at 44 High Street, Crawley. We’d love to chat.

— Adam