New Year Property Advice for Buyers, Sellers & Landlords

Thu 08 Jan 2026

A Fresh Start for the Property Market: What the New Year Means for Buyers, Sellers, Landlords and Tenants

The start of a new year is always a time for fresh plans, new goals and renewed motivation – and the property market is no different. January traditionally marks a strong and purposeful period for both sales and lettings, as many people turn intentions made over Christmas into real action.

Whether you’re thinking about moving home, investing, letting out a property or finding somewhere new to rent, here’s what the new year could mean for you.

Why January Is a Smart Time to Make a Move

Contrary to popular belief, the property market doesn’t hibernate over winter. In fact, January often brings:

Motivated buyers and tenants who have had time to plan and budget
Less competition compared to the busy spring market
Serious enquiries rather than casual browsing

For many, the new year represents a clean slate – and property decisions are often high on the list of resolutions.

For Sellers: A Head Start on the Year Ahead

If you’re considering selling, listing early in the year can be a real advantage.

Buyers registering in January are often highly motivated
Your property may stand out more before spring listings increase
Early sales can put you in a strong position for onward purchases

Now is an excellent time to arrange a valuation, review your options and plan your move with confidence.

For Buyers: Opportunity and Focus

Buyers in January tend to be more decisive. Many are keen to secure a purchase early in the year to allow time for moving later on.

Benefits include:

A clearer view of pricing after the previous year’s activity
Fewer bidding wars than peak seasons
Time to progress calmly before the busier months ahead

If you’re thinking of buying, registering early ensures you don’t miss out on new listings as they come to market.

For Landlords: Planning for a Strong Lettings Year

The new year is the perfect time for landlords to review their portfolio and prepare for the months ahead — particularly with important legislative changes on the horizon.

As we move further into 2026, many landlords are asking an important question: are you prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act? This upcoming legislation will introduce significant changes to the private rented sector, affecting tenancy structures, possession rules and ongoing compliance requirements.

Now is the ideal time to:

Review rental values to ensure they reflect current market demand
Check compliance, safety certificates and planned maintenance
Understand how the Renters’ Rights Act may impact your current and future tenancies
Consider whether professional management could help you stay compliant while reducing time and stress

January often sees strong tenant demand, particularly from those relocating for work or seeking a fresh start. Being well-prepared now can help protect your investment and ensure a smooth year ahead.

To learn more about what the Renters’ Rights Act means for you, visit our dedicated guide:
https://www.williamsanddonovan.com/pages/renters-right-act-2025#/

For Tenants: A Fresh Chapter

The lettings market typically picks up pace in January, making it a great time to search for a new home.

You may find:

New instructions coming to market after the Christmas period
Landlords keen to secure reliable tenants quickly
More flexibility before peak summer demand

Registering early and being clear on your requirements can help you move swiftly when the right property appears.

Looking Ahead

While no two years are ever the same, the start of the year brings clarity, intention and opportunity across the property market. Whether your plans are short-term or longer-term, taking advice early can make all the difference.

If you’d like to discuss your property goals for the year ahead — whether buying, selling, letting or renting — our team would be delighted to help you start the year on the right foot.

Here’s to a positive and successful year ahead