Winter catches landlords out more than any other season. Shorter days, colder temperatures and heavier use of your property put systems under pressure fast. Small issues can escalate overnight — and without the right checks in place, winter can quickly turn from “quiet” into costly.

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.

Buyer demand does not suddenly appear in spring. It starts right now. In this article we break down where serious buyers are in January 2026, why early demand creates stronger pricing and how sellers who move first gain a real negotiation edge before the market becomes crowded.

Rightmove’s December 2025 House Price Index gives us a clear picture of a market that slowed towards the end of the year — but one that is quietly setting itself up for a stronger start to 2026.