Buying In 2026 Starts Now
If you are looking to buy in 2026, January is when the smartest buyers get ahead. In this article we explain how early demand works, why many people miss the best homes and how to make sure you are first in line when the right property appears.
Why January buyers see the best homes first and how to avoid missing out
If you are planning to buy a home in 2026, this is the moment that really matters.
January is when serious buyers come back to the market. Budgets are set. Mortgage discussions are done. And people start actively searching for the homes they want to move into this year.
Rightmove data shows that buyer searches and enquiries rise sharply after Christmas as people return to their plans for moving home.
Source: Rightmove
That means the best homes are being viewed and shortlisted right now.
Why so many buyers miss the right home
Most buyers rely on basic search filters.
Price range
Bedrooms
Location
The problem is that many great homes fall just outside those filters. Or they are reduced in price and never reappear in your results.
This is one of the biggest reasons buyers miss out.
They simply do not see what is really available.
How the smartest buyers stay ahead
The buyers who succeed do one thing differently.
They make sure they see everything.
Heads Up Property Alerts does exactly that. It sends you personalised notifications for:
• New homes
• Price reductions
• Properties that might interest you even if they sit just outside your original criteria
So you are always ahead of the crowd.
Why this also gives you an edge when making offers
When you see a home early, you have time.
Time to book viewings.
Time to compare.
Time to act before everyone else piles in.
That gives you a huge advantage in negotiation.
Want even more support in your search
Some buyers want more than just alerts. They want someone actively working to find and secure the right home for them.
That is what The Avenue Search and Secure service does.
It means your buying team is working on your behalf to:
• Find off market and early listings
• Arrange viewings
• Guide negotiations