Bigger Boxing Day bounce expected, as prices to rise 2% in 2026

 

  • Average new seller asking prices fall by 1.8% (-£6,695) this month to £358,138. This larger than usual December drop means that prices are 0.6% (-£2,059) lower at the end of 2025 than in 2024
  • Bigger than usual Rightmove Boxing Day Bounce expected, as those who paused due to Budget uncertainty to join the post-Christmas boost in home-moving activity:
    • Very early signs of post-Budget rebound, with number of top-end London sellers up by 24% week-on-week
  • The uncertainty and gloom caused by rumours of property tax rises in November’s Budget from as early as August contributed to more subdued activity and pricing in the second half of the year:
    • The number of new sellers coming to market in the first half of 2025 was 9% ahead of the first half of 2024, which reversed to 4% below 2024 across the second half of this year
    • Buyer demand was 3% ahead of 2024 across the first half of the year, but 6% behind in the second half
    • It’s still been a more positive year overall for sales, with the number of sales agreed 3% higher than in 2024
  • Improved buyer affordability and plenty of choice for buyers suggests a market more like the encouraging first half of this year rather than the second half in 2026, with Rightmove predicting that new seller asking prices will rise by 2%:
    • The average two-year fixed rate is now 4.33% compared to 5.08% last year. With house prices now cheaper than a year ago, rising average wages and a relaxing of lending criteria, we predict an activity rebound to kick start 2026

Larger than average December monthly price drop of -1.8%

Average asking prices at the end of 2025 are 0.6% lower than last year

If you would like to discuss your properties value please contact me on 01933 829088 or email Rachel.johnson@cheltonbrown.co.uk

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