Could 2026 be the year you make the move?

A new year has always been a natural moment to take stock and make big decisions. For UK homeowners, few decisions are bigger than moving home. It’s telling that around one in five homeowners wanted to move at some point over the last two years but ultimately stayed put. Hesitation crept in as interest rates rose, affordability tightened and headlines were dominated by uncertainty. Many sensible people quite rightly chose to wait.

As we move into early 2026, the picture looks rather different.

According to Home Owners Alliance, a significant number of would-be movers delayed their plans, not because the desire disappeared, but because the timing didn’t feel right. That caution may now be paying off. Conditions are gradually shifting in favour of those prepared to act with clear eyes and realistic expectations.

Interest rates have eased from their recent highs, which has had a direct and positive impact on buyer affordability. Monthly mortgage payments are no longer the moving target they were, and buyers can once again plan with a degree of confidence. Lenders, too, have become more pragmatic, offering products that reflect a more stable outlook rather than one driven by fear.

At the same time, supply has improved. Rightmove reports that choice is at its strongest for a decade. This matters. A healthier level of stock brings balance back to the market. Buyers have options. Sellers know they must price sensibly. Transactions happen because both sides understand the ground rules.

This combination of improved affordability and increased choice is quietly restoring confidence. Not the frothy, reckless confidence of boom years, but something far more useful: clarity. Buyers know what they can afford. Sellers understand what their property is likely to achieve. Chains are forming more smoothly because expectations are better aligned from the outset.

For homeowners who have been sitting on the fence, this is crucial. If moving has been on your mind - upsizing for family space, downsizing for simplicity, or relocating for schools or lifestyle - 2026 could well be the year intentions finally turn into action. Waiting indefinitely for the “perfect” market rarely works. Sensible moves are made when conditions are workable, not flawless.

Locally, areas such as BR6 and TN14 7 continue to attract steady demand thanks to their balance of space, schools, countryside and commuter links. Buyers are active, but they are also selective. Well-presented, well-priced homes are selling; unrealistic listings are not. That’s a sign of a market doing its job properly.

If you are considering a purchase in BR6 or TN14 7, the best starting point is preparation. Registering your search requirements early ensures you hear about suitable properties as soon as they come to market - often before wider advertising gains momentum.

Langford Rae Property Agents specialise in matching committed buyers with the right homes in these areas. By registering your details and requirements, you place yourself in a stronger position to move decisively when the right opportunity appears.

2026 doesn’t need to be the year you keep waiting. For many, it could be the year you finally make the move - calmly, confidently, and on your own terms.