15/01/2026
Barry’s Property Watch — South of England
Welcome to the first UK Property Market Update of 2026
Hi everyone — Barry Attree here. Thanks for joining me for the first update of 2026. My aim is simple: cut through the noise and share what matters, in plain English, so you can make smart, confident property decisions this year.
A quick rewind on 2025
2025 didn’t roar — and it didn’t collapse either. It largely held its ground. For long stretches, the market operated under a familiar cloud of “what happens next?”, particularly with the Autumn Budget arriving later than usual in the year.
Even so, movers didn’t disappear. Choice improved, but not enough to create an oversupply, and that wider selection made buyers more deliberate. The biggest theme wasn’t drama — it was pricing performance:
Homes launched with a sensible, market-led price tended to attract viewings and offers.
Homes launched with “hope pricing” often met delay, negotiation, and longer marketing times.
In short: 2025 rewarded realism and quietly punished wishful thinking.
Outlook for 2026: steady, not spectacular
The early shape of 2026 looks like a market led more by practical life decisions than hype — upsizing, downsizing, relocation, growing families, and job changes. If confidence continues to firm up, we should see a more recognisable seasonal pattern return as we move through spring.
This doesn’t mean everything will fly off the shelf — but it does suggest a market where well-presented, well-priced homes can still achieve strong results.
What’s likely in the months ahead
More sellers stepping forward now that year-end uncertainty is behind us
A market that continues to behave in two lanes:
well-priced homes move
over-priced homes stall
Modest national price movement, but with meaningful local variation depending on affordability, employment, and supply
What to keep an eye on
1) The Spring Forecast (3 March 2026)
Fewer question marks in the background should help the spring season feel more “normal” — and normal is often exactly what a healthy market needs.
2) Choice levels
If stock increases faster than buyer demand, purchasers become more confident and negotiation becomes the default rather than the exception.
3) Speed of sale
Longer marketing periods are usually the earliest sign that a pricing or presentation tweak is needed. If a property isn’t generating viewings and traction early on, it’s often better to adjust strategy sooner rather than later.
Thank you for taking the time to read this report, and don’t miss the next edition in February, where we look at how the market has started in 2026.
Barry Attree — ATTREE Estate Agents
Your Local Property Insight
Call: 01252 418044 for your no obligation FREE Property Valuation
Email: [email protected]
