Page 16 • The HERALD • 29th October 2026 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v GETTING THE PRICE RIGHT Sue Johnstone from Busy Bee Mortgage & Protection Solutions looks at the state of the housing market: inking of putting your house on the market? Getting the asking price right is essential to attracting a buyer. Here are some things to consider. Market update: It was a slow summer for the housing market, as affordability pressures took their toll on buyer con dence. e number of sales agreed fell annually by 9% in July, according to Zoopla. is is likely due to raised mortgage rates, which have added about £125 to monthly repayments for the typical buyer. Although the short-term outlook is uncertain, there is hope for sellers, as homes that are priced appropriately still have a chance of getting a buyer. A buyer’s market: Buyers currently have a lot of choice. is has given buyers greater negotiating power, so sellers need to price competitively. It may be tempting to go for a high asking price knowing that you can adjust it later. But this approach will likely take you longer to sell. A seller who gets the price right from the outset can achieve an agreed sale within 28 days. However, if there is one price cut, it could take over three months to receive an o er. is time could extend to nearly ve and a half months if there are two price adjustments. Seek advice: If you’re looking to move home this autumn, get in touch with us. We can help you ascertain what you can reasonably a ord, so you can enter your property search in the best possible position. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Top Tips For Managing Dry Eye & Blepharitis by Twinkle Patel of Forest Style Eyecare Dry, gritty, burning or watery eyes, along with sore or irritated eyelids, are common symptoms of dry eye and blepharitis. Simply using eye drops may not address the underlying causes. Here are some tips that may help: 1. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. If your eyes regularly feel uncomfortable, tired, gritty or watery, have them properly assessed. 2. Give your eyes time. A thorough dry-eye assessment can reveal factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. At Forest Style Eyecare, we allow 90 minutes for a comprehensive Dry Eye Investigation. 3. Remember that there is more than one treatment option. Depending on the individual, management may include specialist lubricants, Lacri ll®, punctal plugs, IPL, Low Level Light erapy, Scleral lenses, Omnilenz, and/or Eyelid debridement (manual/ Zest). 4. Treat the cause, not just the symptoms. Dry eye and blepharitis can be complex conditions. Identifying the hidden driving factors is crucial for e ective long-term control, as is a personalised management plan and regular follow ups. 5. Choose care carefully. As an independent optician and specialist dry-eye practice, Forest Style Eyecare focuses on detailed assessment, personalised treatment and ongoing care. Call: 023 8089 2969 or visit: foreststyleeyecare.co.uk to nd out more. Sue Johnstone, Busy Bee Twinkle Patel, Forest Style Eyecare
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