January's House Price Index reports largest growth in 25 years
According to Rightmove's House Price Index, January 2026 saw the biggest month-on-month increase in the 25 years of the index reporting. National asking prices are now 0.5% higher than this time last year, with prices rebounding after the last Budget update.
These increases reflect a return of homeowners and movers, as well as a lift in confidence after seeing months of slow price growth throughout 2025, with activity sharply increasing after the Christmas period.
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A successful start to the year
Rightmove have shared data covering the two weeks after Christmas Day, reporting that buyer demand jumped by 57% compared to the two weeks before the 25th; the number of newly listed homes grew by a staggering 81%.
"It's an encouraging start to the year to see sellers confident enough to list their homes at higher prices after several months of muted price growth last year, coinciding with more potential buyers returning to the market."‘‘’’
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove Property Expert
Record-breaking Boxing Day
Rightmove also recorded its 'busiest ever' Boxing Day, with the record number of visits and a substantial bounce of activity, which has really set the tone for a strong start to 2026, and is showing promise for an active buying and selling Spring season.
Improved affordability
As mortgage rates have been steadily decreasing over the past year, affordability is now influencing more buyer confidence, with wage growth also contributing.
Rightmove's daily mortgage tracker is showing the average two-year fixed rate at 4.29%, which is the lowest reported rate since the mini-budget in September 2022, and compared to 5.03% rate from this time last year, affordability is opening doors for more potential buyers.
"Mortgage rates have slowly but surely been coming down, to the extent that the average rate a typical home-buyer is likely to see is now the lowest since before the disruptive 2022 mini-budget. Those who have been waiting for cheaper mortgage rates before acting might currently be seeing some of the best deals that will be around for a while."‘‘’’
Matt Smith, Rightmove Property Expert
All of these factors indicate that now is the time to move forward with investment opportunities. If you'd like to explore our opportunities, reach out to our expert team today.
