What Buyers, Movers & Remortgagers Can Expect This Year
Quick Summary
- Mortgage rates are expected to continue gradually falling through early–mid 2026.
- Lenders are softening affordability models as inflation eases.
- More new properties are coming to market thanks to planning reforms.
- Remortgagers should see better product-transfer rates and more competition from challenger banks.
- First-time buyers could see the best affordability conditions since 2021.
1 | Mortgage Rates in 2026 — The Big Picture
2026 starts on a much calmer footing than recent years.
The key forces shaping rates include:
✔ Lower inflation
Inflation has been trending down, reducing the cost of lender funding.
✔ Potential further Bank Rate cuts
Tracker mortgages may fall again if the Bank makes additional cuts in Q1–Q2.
✔ Stronger lender competition
Banks typically sharpen pricing in January and April as they chase early-year targets.
✔ Calmer economic outlook
No major shocks = steady pricing improvements.
Expectation:
Rates should continue drifting down, not collapsing — but enough to make borrowing noticeably cheaper than in 2024–25.
2 | What First-Time Buyers Can Expect in 2026
2026 could be one of the best years for first-time buyers in a long time.
Here’s why:
✔ Better affordability
Lower household costs and improving wage growth strengthen borrowing power.
✔ More new-build supply
Planning reforms and regeneration push more starter homes onto the market.
✔ Incentives returning
Builders often launch January–March incentives, including contributions to mortgage costs.
✔ Less competition early in the year
Many buyers wait until spring — making early 2026 a great window to move quickly.
Overall: a very encouraging year for FTBs.
3 | What Home Movers Can Expect
Movers can expect a more predictable and balanced market in 2026.
Benefits for movers:
- More stock entering the market
- Less frantic bidding than pre-2023
- Stable valuations
- Better mortgage portability and product-transfer options
If you’re upsizing, lower rates + higher affordability could be a perfect combination.
4 | Remortgaging in 2026
If your fixed deal ends this year:
✔ Expect cheaper remortgage rates
Especially on 5-year fixes.
✔ Product transfers remain competitive
Banks often give strong retention offers to keep customers.
✔ Better affordability for debt consolidation
Lower cost-of-living assumptions help borderline cases.
✔ Improved valuations in many regions
Stabilising property prices help improve loan-to-value bands.
Tip:
Start checking options 6 months before your rate ends — this gives you time to lock in a rate now and re-book if cheaper options appear later.
5 | What Landlords Should Expect
2026 is a more stable year for landlords after turbulent tax and rate changes.
✔ Cheaper SPV company mortgage rates
As fixed-rate funding improves.
✔ Stronger rental demand in regeneration zones
Budget 2025 investment boosts long-term yields.
✔ More predictable valuations
Great for remortgaging or expanding portfolios.
✔ Ongoing tax pressures
Some landlords will still consider SPV structures for efficiency.
Overall, it’s a more positive and predictable year for property investors.
6 | House Prices in 2026
Most analysts expect:
✔ Slight growth in many regions
Low single-digit increases.
✔ Stronger activity in Midlands, North West, Scotland & South Wales
Driven by new jobs and regeneration.
✔ Stabilised London & South East market
After years of volatility.
✔ New listings up vs 2025
Giving buyers more choice.
2026 looks like a balanced year, not a boom or bust.
7 | Should You Act Now or Wait?
Act now if:
- Your deposit is ready
- You want to get ahead of spring competition
- Your fixed rate is ending soon
- You benefit from falling rates
Wait if:
- You’re close to improving your LTV band
- You need time to tidy bank statements
- You’re expecting a pay rise soon
- Your credit needs a quick refresh
Most buyers will benefit from starting early, even if they complete later in the year.
8 | The Bottom Line
2026 begins with more stability, more confidence and more opportunity than any year since before the pandemic.
Expect:
- Falling rates
- Better affordability
- More homes
- Stronger lender competition
- A calmer, healthier property market
For buyers, movers and remortgagers, 2026 is shaping up to be a genuinely promising year.
📞 Want to Check Your 2026 Mortgage Options?
We don’t provide mortgage advice directly — but we can introduce you to an FCA-authorised specialist who can:
- Check your 2026 borrowing power
- Compare the latest rates
- Help prepare a strong Agreement in Principle
- Review remortgage and product-transfer options
- Suggest the best timing for your situation