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Each month, Foxtons leading sales experts share clear, practical insight into the London sales market. This is your single, up-to-date destination for expert opinion, refreshed monthly so you always know where the market stands.
With decades of experience across London’s property market, Foxtons Sales has the depth of knowledge to answer the questions buyers and sellers are asking right now. Whether you are deciding if it is the right time to buy or sell, or trying to understand how wider news is shaping the London market, this is where to start:
January 2026: Pent-Up Demand Fuels a Strong Start
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Pent-up demand is driving activity. The Autumn Budget caused buyers to pause their decisions at the end of 2025. This created strong demand heading into January, which is already a seasonally busy month.
More buyers can enter the market. We've likely seen the peak of inflation, so the Bank of England made their second cut to the base rate in 2025 in December. Lenders responded with more mortgage options, including higher LTV products that require lower deposits (crucial for first-time buyers). Meanwhile, London wage growth is outpacing house price growth.
Sellers: accurate pricing is critical. The number of property listings is increasing as more sellers find their moment. With more choice available, buyers can easily compare value across their search area. Getting an updated valuation with pricing that matches current demand is essential to start your sale successfully.
February 2026: Strong early momentum in the London property market
January set a fast pace. February is already moving even faster.
LONDON PROPERTY BUYERS IN JANUARY
Buyer demand rose across London, which is what you would expect at this time of year, although favourable sentiment across lenders and a greater push to list from sellers have given buyers everything they need for a particularly strong start.
LONDON MORTGAGE LENDERS IN JANUARY
Lenders' outlook had already been improving well before the base rate announcement. When the rate held by such a narrow margin accompanied by widespread optimism about predictions of future cuts, confidence strengthened further. Improving lender sentiment in February means more competitive mortgage products have returned, which eases affordability pressures for some buyers. (MoneyWeek)
Nationwide confirms, “affordability constraints have eased over the past year, thanks to earnings growth outpacing house price growth and also a steady decline in mortgage rates.”
LONDON PROPERTY SELLERS IN JANUARY
Seller confidence is rising as well. London house prices rose by 2.8 per cent, and we are now entering the period Rightmove identifies as the best time of year to list for sale.
~7 of 10
homes listed in February
complete a sale
days to find a buyer for homes listed in February
Nearly seven in ten homes that come to market in January, February and March go on to secure a buyer (68.9% in February, 68.8% in January and March). That pattern is significant, and Rightmove have tracked this trend consistently right back to 2012. Sellers at this time of year have good reason to feel confident and list more properties, which means:
"March came out as the busiest month overall for home-moving activity. It’s the month with the largest number of properties newly listed on the market for sale, when most buyers come to market on average across the year, and when most overall sales are agreed" (Rightmove).
Because buyers are about to have many more options to compare, an ultra-refined and precise pricing strategy becomes essential. The homes that perform best launch with a strong strategy shaped by real market data and expert insight. Let us help you shape your strategy through a Foxtons valuation.
Buyers are motivated and mortgage options are improving
Across London we are seeing buyers arrive with stronger intent. First-time buyers are benefitting from more approachable lending options and returning movers are stepping back into the market with greater certainty. The December RICS Residential Market Survey showed seller expectations turning positive as the dust finally settles after the Autumn Budget.
There is movement nationally too. The Guardian reports that the average UK home price has now passed £300,000 for the first time, which reinforces the sense that the market is finding its rhythm again.
Why February is the best time to sell or buy in London
For buyers, this is the moment to get finances lined up and act decisively. For sellers, it is a chance to launch into a motivated market before spring brings more competition. February sits at the point where confidence, demand and timing align. With the right pricing and the right offer strategy, this can be the month that turns your intention into a successful move.
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Source: This article is compiled and updated monthly using insight from Foxtons Sales leadership and Senior Sales Managers across London. It draws on real‑time buyer and seller activity, internal data and on‑the‑ground market intelligence from Foxtons offices throughout the capital.
Market commentary and analysis are overseen by Foxtons Managing Director - Sales, James Stevenson, and informed by our many years of leadership in the London property market.
If you have any questions on this article, please email us to ask a Foxtons expert.
