The journey from a first home to a larger one is a significant step. With a record-high price gap between first-time buyer and second-stepper homes, understanding this shift is crucial for planning your next move.

With the latest property data from Rightmove now released, we wanted to share both the national picture and what we’re seeing locally here in Amber Valley. The market has started 2026 with renewed confidence, but it’s clear we’re now in a more balanced, price-sensitive environment.

The UK property market is now fully active as we move into spring, with strong buyer demand, rising asking prices and a growing number of homes coming to market at the same time. This creates more opportunity, but also more competition.

There are buyers in the market right now who are fully prepared and ready to move, but they are waiting for the right homes to appear. That gap between buyer readiness and available stock is where opportunity sits. Here is what buyers are doing and why it matters if you are thinking of moving.