Early Build in Market Momentum as 2026 Begins

As we move into 2026, the UK housing market is showing encouraging signs, particularly when it comes to sellers stepping forward and making their move.

After last year’s periods of uncertainty around tax changes and borrowing costs, homeowners are increasingly confident about listing their properties. Activity levels across our areas of North Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire suggest that the property market is heading into a busy season.

A Strong Start to the Year

One of the earliest indicators of a lively market is the uplift in new homes coming to market, and this year that trend has arrived straight out of the blocks. We’re seeing interest from a wide range of property owners, with listings across our branches in the first week of January alone. It’s a sure sign that sellers are keen to capitalise on the current buyer demand.

What’s Driving Seller Confidence?

Several factors are at play in encouraging homeowners to list their properties now:

• Greater clarity around recent fiscal changes — with the Autumn Budget now behind us, many sellers who hesitated in late 2025 have found renewed confidence to proceed.
• Mortgage rate reductions later in 2025 have helped to bolster buyer interest and affordability, making the prospect of selling and moving more appealing for homeowners who previously felt priced out.

Why the Rise in Sellers Matters

From a market perspective, the rise in listings helps maintain momentum in the market overall. Supported by a backdrop of stronger sales and increased stock, we’re better placed to match buyers and sellers, plus to help deals progress smoothly. With our new Sales Progressors in place, you can also rest assured we’ve got your sale’s transaction covered.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for You

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell, this early surge in market activity signals it’s a great time to act. The strong enquiry levels from motivated purchasers across multiple price bands can lead to competitive offers and interest.

Whether you’re simply planning a move for a lifestyle change, an independent local builder looking to taking advantage of market conditions, or a new home’s developer deciding on your next step, now is an excellent time to start a conversation about how we can help you achieve your goals.

Feel free to get in touch; we’re here to guide you through every step of your property journey. Find your local branch on our website, here, or book a free, no-obligation valuation, here.

Share this article