Selling Your Home? Why an Accurate Property Valuation Matters More Than a High Asking Price

Hathways Estate Agents | Cwmbran, Caerleon, Newport & Torfaen

When selling your house, it's natural to want the highest possible price. But choosing an estate agent who suggests the highest valuation doesn't necessarily mean you'll achieve the best selling price.

At Hathways Estate Agents, we believe that accurate property valuations, realistic asking prices and effective marketing are the foundations of a successful property sale.

And the latest Rightmove figures provide an interesting insight into our local property market.

Only 2.7% of Local Price Reductions Were Hathways Properties

According to Rightmove data covering 25 selected local postcodes between 1 January and 13 October 2026:

• 1,280 asking-price reductions were recorded across the area.

• Just 35 were Hathways properties.

• That's only 2.7% of all local price reductions recorded during the period.

These figures represent our share of the area's price reductions, rather than the percentage of Hathways properties that needed reducing.

We're proud of this statistic, particularly alongside our strong local sales activity. It also highlights why asking-price reductions deserve attention when choosing an estate agent.

Why Overvaluing Your Property Can Cost You Money

Some homeowners understandably choose the estate agent who offers the highest suggested asking price.

However, an inflated valuation can create problems:

• Fewer viewings: Buyers may overlook an overpriced property in favour of similar homes offering better value.

• Longer on the market: Properties that fail to attract early interest can lose momentum.

• Price reductions: An unrealistic starting price may eventually need to be lowered to generate enquiries.

• Weaker negotiating position: A property that has been marketed unsuccessfully for an extended period may attract lower offers.

In some circumstances, an overpriced property can ultimately sell for less than it might have achieved with a realistic asking price from the outset.

The highest valuation isn't always the best valuation.

Our Approach to Property Valuations

Whether you're selling a property in Cwmbran, Caerleon, Newport, Pontypool or the surrounding Torfaen area, our approach remains the same.

We don't believe in deliberately overvaluing properties simply to win instructions.

Instead, our property valuations consider recent comparable sales, local house prices, current buyer demand and competing properties advertised on Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket.

We combine this information with our local experience to recommend a sensible asking-price strategy designed to attract genuine buyers.

That doesn't mean undervaluing your home. It means understanding its market value and giving it the best opportunity to sell successfully.

Choosing the Right Estate Agent

When comparing estate agents, don't simply ask how many properties they've listed or sold.

Consider asking:

• How often do properties need an asking-price reduction?

• How is the suggested valuation supported by local sales evidence?

• How will the property be marketed to attract suitable buyers?

• What strategy will help achieve the best possible selling price?

These questions can tell you much more about an estate agent's approach than an impressive valuation alone.

Thinking of Selling Your Property in Cwmbran, Caerleon or Newport?

At Hathways, our aim is straightforward: to achieve the best possible price in the best possible time.

We believe in honest advice, accurate valuations, professional property marketing and keeping our clients informed throughout their sale.

If you're considering selling your home, whether now or in the future, contact Hathways Estate Agents in Cwmbran or Caerleon for a realistic, no-obligation property valuation.

It's not about promising the highest price. It's about achieving it.

HATHWAYS — Your Property is OUR Business.

Source: Rightmove market activity data, 1 January–13 October 2026, across 25 selected postcodes. The 2.7% represents Hathways' share of local asking-price reductions, not the percentage of Hathways listings reduced.