We recently caught up with Managing Director Alistair Jones based at our Bishop Waltham branch to discuss the year ahead and some of his initial findings from the first few months of the year.
"Having spoken to many people towards the end of last year who have told us that they would be looking to enter the market early this year, we are already seeing an underlying drive that will undoubtedly have an effect on the market in 2026.
Based on early data, the housing market has already started with significant positivity and momentum. For all of these reasons and with our focus firmly on the many beautiful homes within the area, the outlook for the year ahead is strong and gives us plenty to be excited about.
Key factors that could drive the year forward.
- Due to a strong start to the year already, January and February 2026 recorded that buyer demand has risen considerably as a national average.
- There is improved buyer affordability, mortgage rates have continued to drop, with the average two-year fixed rate reaching its lowest since 2022, improving affordability and giving buyers more confidence.
- We have also started to see a high demand for ‘Ready-to-move-in homes’. More buyers are now looking for homes that are well presented, designed for modern living and require little or no renovation which here at White & Guard, we are ideally positioned to cater for.
Experts also predict that national house prices will see a modest, yet balanced growth of around 2% this year, which means stability so, 2026 looks as though it's certainly going to be a good year."
"Our detailed marketing campaigns, alongside our curated approach is certainly why as a company, we are well positioned to not settle for anything less than the best results."
Mo Hussain, Senior Valuer
