24/03/2026
Property Market Update: What Renters & Buyers Should Know Right Now
With so much talk about rising costs and global uncertainty, it’s easy to worry about what it all means for the housing market. The good news? The property and rental markets remain resilient, and there are still great opportunities whether you’re renting, buying or selling.
Here’s what’s actually happening — and why it’s not all doom and gloom:
🏡 House Prices: A Stable Market With Space to Move
While economic headlines can sound dramatic, UK house prices have remained surprisingly steady. Some areas are even seeing gentle growth, especially where demand for family homes and good commuter links remains strong.
✅ For sellers: Stability is your friend. Well‑presented homes are still attracting strong interest.
✅ For buyers: With mortgage rates holding around current levels, there’s room to negotiate — giving you more choice and less pressure.
🔑 Mortgages: A Good Time to Plan Ahead
Some lenders have recently adjusted their fixed-rate deals, but not in the extreme way we saw back in 2022.
If you're thinking of buying this year:
✅ Start researching your mortgage options early
✅ Speaking to a broker gives you access to the whole market
✅ Many lenders let you lock in a rate months in advance
This gives you certainty and breathing room, even if the wider market feels uncertain.
🏘️ Renting: High Demand Means Opportunities
Demand for rental homes continues to be strong — especially for clean, well-maintained properties. While some landlords are facing rising costs, this hasn’t translated into dramatic rent increases for most tenants.
✅ For landlords: Rental demand remains high, and good tenants are actively looking right now. It’s a strong moment to let your property.
✅ For renters: More choice is coming onto the market, making this a great time to register interest early.
⛽ Rising Fuel Costs: What This Means for Local Property
Yes, petrol and diesel prices are up — but this often encourages people to look for homes closer to work, schools or public transport.
That’s why we’re seeing:
🚗 More interest in well‑connected areas
🚌 Higher demand for locations with good bus/rail links
🚶 People prioritising walkable neighbourhoods
If your home ticks these boxes, that’s a real advantage.
🔌 Energy Costs: More Protection Than You Might Expect
While wholesale prices move up and down, the Ofgem price cap still protects most households — and April unit prices are falling. This means:
✅ Running costs for tenants may be lower
✅ Homeowners have more certainty in budgeting
✅ Properties with good EPC ratings continue to be popular
Energy‑efficient homes remain especially attractive to both renters and buyers.
🛫 Travel Costs: Why This Matters for Home Movers
Yes, jet fuel prices can push up holiday travel costs — but the good news is:
✅ Most popular holiday destinations are unaffected
✅ Higher travel costs often lead people to spend more time at home
✅ We see a boost in interest for homes with gardens, outdoor space or an extra room for hobbies
People are prioritising comfort and lifestyle — a big plus for sellers.
✅ The Bottom Line
There’s a lot of noise in the economy right now — but the property market is holding steady, and opportunities are very much still there.
Whether you're thinking of:
🔹 Moving home
🔹 Renting out a property
🔹 Becoming a first‑time buyer
🔹 Finding your next rental
…a calm look at your options goes a long way.
