January Momentum: What Happened Last Year and Why 2026 is Looking Even Stronger for the Property Market

January Momentum: What Happened Last Year and Why 2026 Is Already Off to a Strong Start

At the start of every year, many homeowners ask the same question: should I wait until spring, or is January actually a good time to sell?

Looking back at January last year, the answer was clear. Motivated buyers didn’t wait for warmer weather, and the market got off to a strong and decisive start. Early indications suggest 2026 is beginning in much the same way.

Traditionally, December brings a brief pause. Buyers take a step back, sellers regroup, and the market takes a short breath. But as soon as January arrived last year, activity returned quickly — and we’re already seeing that familiar momentum build again.

Last January, we saw:

• A noticeable rise in buyer enquiries within the first few weeks

• Newly listed homes attracting early interest

• Serious movers keen to act after the festive break

• Less competition compared to the busier spring months

Many buyers had spent weeks browsing online over Christmas, bookmarking properties and refining their budgets. When January arrived, they were ready to book viewings and make decisions.

Why Buyers Move Early in the Year

January buyers are often some of the most committed. They may be:

• Relocating for work or schools

• Acting on decisions made before Christmas

• Using the new year as a natural deadline to move forward

• Keen to secure a purchase before the market becomes more competitive

This urgency often leads to stronger engagement and clearer negotiations, particularly for homes that are priced sensibly and launched well.

Now, at the beginning of 2026, many of the same patterns are already emerging. Buyer confidence has steadied, households are reassessing their plans for the year ahead, and online property searches typically increase over the festive period. As January gets underway, many buyers are already prepared and waiting for new listings to appear.

This is why January continues to be such a powerful launch window. Sellers who are ready early are not rushing — they are positioning themselves ahead of the market. By the time spring arrives and competition increases, early movers often already have momentum behind them.

Preparation remains key. Arranging a market appraisal early in the year allows time to agree on pricing, plan a marketing strategy, and organise photography and paperwork, so everything is ready to take advantage of current demand. Even for those still weighing up their options, understanding the market now provides clarity and confidence for the months ahead.

Last January showed that the market doesn’t wait for spring, and early signs suggest 2026 could start just as positively. If you’re considering selling this year, now is an ideal time to plan your next move and put yourself in the strongest possible position.