Welcome to Market Insight, your monthly Peter Lane & Partners update on the local property market. This edition starts with the good news for movers in 2026, then looks at recent government changes and what they could mean for landlords and buyers.
Reasons for optimism in 2026
Despite a period of change, there are genuine reasons to feel positive about the year ahead.
Forecasters expect UK house prices to grow modestly – around 2.5% in 2026 – pointing towards a more stable, gently rising market rather than the sharp swings seen in recent years. A steady environment tends to give both buyers and sellers more confidence to make a move.
There is also renewed optimism in the mortgage market. Rates are generally lower than a year ago, product choice has expanded, and stress testing has eased slightly, making affordability less restrictive for many households. Lenders are actively competing for business, which is good news for both first‑time buyers and home movers.
First‑time buyers, in particular, are seeing more options at higher loan‑to‑value levels, with products for those with smaller deposits at some of their strongest levels for many years and this, along with continuing innovation from lenders, should help to create vital new routes into homeownership.
So now could be just the time to contact us to discuss your next move: Remember, the right advice doesn’t just find a lender. It finds the right lender for you.
Ultimately, the “right time” to move is when the timing is right for you. It is easy to wait for spring, assuming that’s when everyone else will act, but that can also mean more competition for the best homes. Moving sooner, while supply and demand are still re‑balancing, can give you an edge as both a buyer and a seller – with more serious interest and less noise in the market.
Talk to Peter Lane & Partners
Every buyer, seller, landlord and tenant is affected differently by these shifts. If you are wondering what they mean for your own move or investment plans, then a conversation with a local expert can make all the difference.
For friendly, professional advice on your next step:
Huntingdon & St Ives
60 High St, Huntingdon, PE29 3DN, 01480 414800 · [email protected]
Kimbolton
6 High St, Kimbolton, PE28 0HA, 01480 860400 · [email protected]
St Neots
32 Market Square, St Neots, PE19 2AF, 01480 406400 · [email protected]
Whether you are thinking of selling, buying, letting or simply want an up‑to‑date, no‑obligation view of your property’s value, Peter Lane & Partners are here to help you navigate the local market with confidence.
