Why early movers secure stronger buyer interest and better outcomes this year
As we step into 2026, many homeowners are wondering what the new year holds for the property market. This January update offers a calm, confident look at the current landscape, helping you understand the key trends and what they mean for your home.
January is no longer a quiet month in the UK property market.
It is the point in the year when confident buyers return in large numbers and begin making decisions about where and when they will move.
According to the Rightmove House Price Index, the average UK asking price in January 2026 was £368,031, an increase of £9,893 compared to December 2025 and a 2.8% month on month rise, the largest January increase on record.
Source: Rightmove
This is a clear sign that buyer confidence is back and that demand is already building at the start of the year.
If you want to see how this market could work in your favour, start here
What the numbers are telling us
Rightmove data shows:
• Average UK asking price in January 2026 was £368,031
• Increase from December 2025 was £9,893
• Monthly growth was 2.8%
• Prices were 0.5% higher than January 2025
Source: Rightmove
This rebound is happening because serious buyers have returned after Christmas with clear budgets and firm intentions.
To understand how much demand exists for a home like yours right now, you can see it in a live market led valuation
Why early 2026 sellers attract stronger buyers
Most homeowners assume that March and April are the best months to sell because more people are moving.
That may be true for volume of listings. But volume is not what wins the best results.
In January:
• Fewer homes are coming to market than in spring
• Buyer enquiries are rising
• Serious buyers have less choice
This means that well priced, well marketed homes get more attention per listing and more competitive offers.
That is how sellers gain negotiating power.
You can see how this could impact your own move by using the Better Off Calculator
Why January buyers are the most valuable
Buyer behaviour in January is very different from later in the year.
These buyers have already reviewed their finances, spoken to lenders and decided that 2026 is the year they move.
Rightmove reported a sharp rise in buyer enquiries in the weeks following Christmas compared to the weeks before Christmas, showing that serious buyers are now actively searching.
Source: Rightmove
These are the buyers who make strong early offers when they find the right home.
If you want to know how attractive your home is to this group, request a valuation here
What this means if you are thinking about selling in 2026
The facts are clear:
• Prices are rising
• Buyer demand is increasing
• Competition from other sellers is still low
This creates a window where sellers who move early often achieve stronger interest and better outcomes.
You can quantify what that could mean for you here
Your smartest next step
The sellers who win in 2026 will be the ones who understand their position before everyone else lists.
You can also see what other homeowners say about working with The Avenue here
And if you want to understand how The Avenue positions homes to attract strong interest, see our seller strategy guide