Could 2026 Be a Buyer’s Year? What Forecasts Say About the Year Ahead

A more balanced outlook begins to take shape 

After several years dominated by rising interest rates, affordability pressures, and cautious buyer sentiment, many analysts believe the UK property market may be entering a more balanced phase. While 2026 is unlikely to deliver a dramatic rebound, forecasts increasingly point to a period of stabilisation, where buyers face less urgency and more choice than in recent years. 

Mortgage costs have begun to ease, lending conditions are gradually improving, and price expectations are becoming more measured. Together, these shifts are prompting a reassessment of what the next 12 months could look like for buyers, movers, and investors. 

What the major forecasts are really saying 

Rather than predicting a sharp upswing, most leading property consultancies are aligned around a theme of modest, sustainable growth. 

Savills’ latest outlook suggests UK house prices could rise gradually over the coming years, with cumulative growth of around 24.5% forecast over the five-year period to 2029. That projection reflects a market adjusting to higher long-term borrowing costs, but one that is no longer under acute pressure. 
https://www.savills.co.uk/insight-and-opinion/savills-news/359581/savills-upgrades-five-year-forecast-for-uk-house-price-growth 

Knight Frank has published a cautious outlook, forecasting around 3% house price growth in 2026, reflecting easing mortgage rates but ongoing affordability constraints. 
https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/research/article/2025/9/uk-housing-market-forecast-september-2025 

Hamptons has also suggested a steadier year ahead, with its latest forecasts pointing to a 2.5% rise across Great Britain in Q4 2026, underlining expectations for modest growth rather than a rapid rebound. 
https://www.hamptons.co.uk/research/reports/forecasts-2025 

Taken together, these forecasts suggest 2026 is unlikely to deliver a boom, but could mark a shift away from the stop-start conditions buyers have faced recently. 

Why 2026 could feel different for buyers 

For many buyers, the significance of 2026 is less about headline price growth and more about how the market behaves. 

As borrowing costs ease and price expectations stabilise, buyers may find themselves under less pressure to rush decisions or compete aggressively. A steadier market often brings greater room for negotiation, more realistic pricing, and improved alignment between sellers’ expectations and buyers’ budgets. 

This environment can be particularly helpful for first-time buyers, who tend to be most sensitive to changes in monthly repayments and affordability assessments. It may also suit home movers, where managing the gap between selling and buying becomes easier when prices are not moving sharply in either direction. 

What it could mean for investors 

For investors, forecasts for 2026 point towards a continued emphasis on yield rather than rapid capital growth. While modest price increases may return, the days of relying solely on house price inflation appear less certain. 

Instead, long-term fundamentals such as rental demand, location quality, and regulatory exposure are likely to remain the key drivers of performance. In some regions, particularly where affordability remains stronger, a more stable market could support carefully chosen investments. 

That said, ongoing tax and regulatory uncertainty means investors will need to remain selective and forward-looking. 

The risks that remain 

Despite the more positive tone, there are still factors that could disrupt the outlook. Mortgage availability will continue to vary by borrower profile, and the most competitive products are often limited to specific loan-to-value bands. Economic conditions, including wage growth and inflation, will also continue to influence both lending and buyer confidence. 

Forecasts provide useful context, but they are not guarantees. A more balanced market still requires careful planning and realistic expectations. 

How to approach 2026 with confidence 

If you are considering buying, moving, or remortgaging in 2026, preparation remains one of the most valuable advantages. Reviewing your finances early, understanding your borrowing options, and thinking strategically about timing can help you respond confidently as opportunities arise. 

For remortgagers in particular, understanding when your current deal ends and what options may be available ahead of time can help avoid unnecessary cost or pressure. 

Let Altura support your plans 

At Altura Mortgage Finance, we help buyers, home movers, and investors make sense of changing market conditions and longer-term trends. Whether 2026 is the year you plan to move or simply a year to prepare, our team can help you understand your options and approach the market with clarity.