If first-time consumers get a deposit collectively it’s doubtless their mortgages might find yourself being cheaper than paying hire subsequent yr, Rightmove has predicted.
This course of may very well be exacerbated by the two% enhance in property taxes for landlords, although that solely comes into drive in April 2027.
The excessive variety of accessible houses on the market will imply it continues to be purchaser’s market in 2026, giving first-time consumers extra negotiating energy.
Wages are additionally set to extend quicker than home value development, which ought to enhance purchaser affordability.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property knowledgeable, mentioned: “2026 will likely be a mixture of some key property market themes persevering with, and different new developments rising.
“We count on lots of those that put their transferring plans on maintain over the previous few months will decide them again up once more from Boxing Day and into the brand new yr, now the Price range is out the way in which.
“We predict the market will feel and look 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 significantly between the south of England and the remainder of Nice Britain.
“The market circumstances subsequent yr will favour typical first-time consumers 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 value subsequent yr, whereas London and the south of England anticipated to lag behind.
