December brought a little bit of breathing space after the Budget, with interest rates coming down and that gave first time buyers a boost. More competitive mortgage deals helped to ease affordability pressures and tempted some buyers back into the market after months of hesitation. As is typical for the festive period, activity slowed and prices softened slightly, but overall conditions were steadier than many had expected.

And in case you missed it, here’s where we’ve been featured last month.

“Buyers and sellers can now make decisions based on actual information rather than watching a mad game of policy bingo. Perhaps – and I’m aware this is optimistic – they might consider that constant chopping and changing is more damaging than any individual policy could ever be.”

Jonathan Rolande

“Buyers in 2026 will be extremely price-sensitive. If a property isn’t priced correctly from day one, it risks going stale very quickly. Sellers need to understand the true value of their home, not what it might have achieved during peak market conditions.”

Jonathan Rolande

“When the market isn’t manic, negotiate. Fees can go up, instructions on a duff, overpriced no-hoper can politely be refused. Costs can be reduced by negotiating with suppliers. Sometimes a perceived lack of opportunity is, well – an opportunity.”

Jonathan Rolande

“But with house prices rising more slowly than incomes for the past three years, and the prospect of more interest rate cuts, the trend of improved affordability is expected to continue. “

Jonathan Rolande

 

“House prices will tread water, avoiding the steep falls some had predicted, as the memory of the chaos pre-Budget fades.”

Jonathan Rolande

And many more. To stay up to date with the property market follow us on Twitter!

House Buy Fast @HouseBuyFast and Jonathan Rolande @propertyjonnie