If first-time patrons get a deposit collectively it’s possible their mortgages may find yourself being cheaper than paying hire subsequent 12 months, Rightmove has predicted.
This course of might be exacerbated by the two% improve in property taxes for landlords, although that solely comes into drive in April 2027.
The excessive variety of obtainable houses on the market will imply it continues to be purchaser’s market in 2026, giving first-time patrons extra negotiating energy.
Wages are additionally set to extend quicker than home worth progress, which ought to enhance purchaser affordability.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property professional, mentioned: “2026 can be a mixture of some key property market themes persevering with, and different new developments rising.
“We count on a lot of those that put their shifting plans on maintain over the previous couple of months will decide them again up once more from Boxing Day and into the brand new 12 months, now the Finances is out the best way.
“We predict the market will feel and appear very completely different relying on which space of Nice Britain you’re in, and the kind of property you’re trying to promote or purchase, with large variations notably between the south of England and the remainder of Nice Britain.
“The market circumstances subsequent 12 months will favour typical first-time patrons over these on the top-end of the market.”
Costs are predicted to rise nationally by 2% after an surprising fall of 0.6% in 2025, however regional variations are anticipated.
Decrease priced Scotland, Wales and north of England to be extra resilient on worth subsequent 12 months, whereas London and the south of England anticipated to lag behind.
