January asking prices rise at fastest pace in a decade

The UK property market has started 2026 with renewed momentum, according to the latest House Price Index from Rightmove. Average asking prices rose by 2.8% between December and January, marking the strongest start-of-year increase seen in the past decade. This uplift equates to an average rise of just under £10,000, taking the typical asking price to approximately £368,000.

This early-year surge reflects a noticeable improvement in seller confidence following a quieter end to 2025, when market activity was impacted by wider economic and budget uncertainty. Nationally, average asking prices now sit around 0.5% higher than this time last year, highlighting a steady return to growth.

Price increases were seen across all major property sectors. Homes typically bought by first-time buyers recorded modest monthly gains, while larger family homes and premium properties experienced slightly stronger upward movement. This suggests healthy demand across the market, particularly from buyers looking to make their next move.

However, sellers should remain mindful of current market conditions. The number of properties available for sale is at its highest for a January since 2014, giving buyers a wide choice. Around a third of homes currently on the market have already undergone price reductions, reinforcing the importance of realistic and well-researched pricing strategies.

Rightmove also reported a seasonal boost in activity following Boxing Day, with more sellers choosing to launch their properties and buyer enquiries picking up in early January. While demand has improved, competition between sellers remains strong, making professional advice and accurate pricing more important than ever.

Overall, this positive start to the year is encouraging for those considering a sale. With buyer confidence returning and asking prices on the rise, the months ahead could present good opportunities — particularly for sellers who position their properties correctly from the outset.

If you're thinking of selling, contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation and find out how we could help.