For anyone whose home is currently on the market, today is anything but Blue Monday.

Indeed, vendors can feel positive as the average price of a property for sale rose 2.8% between December 2025 and January 2026.

According to the latest Rightmove House Price index, the UK average house price now stands at £368,031, up £9,893 on December’s figure.

It is the largest ever January price jump and the largest of any month since June 2015 and national average property prices are now 0.5% ahead of this time last year.

For Sheldon Bosley Knight’s agents, the start of 2026 feels particularly significant and, following the uncertainty of the latter part of 2025, the mood music is certainly in the “get moving” category.

Business development director, Kevin Jackson said: “As Rightmove announces a rise in house prices for 2026, this is very much in line with the increased sales activity we’ve seen within the Sheldon Bosley Knight Group. 

“Our instructions are up 40% in 2026 already vs 2025, so we see signs that 2026 is going to be an incredible year for the property industry and in readiness for this, we are already expanding our network through strategic recruitment across all parts of our business.”

Stratford-upon-Avon sales manager, Lisa Hunt agreed. She said: “In Stratford, where our average house prices (currently around £430,000) sit well above the regional average, this 2.8% uptick represents a significant injection of equity for local homeowners.

“We have had a great start to the year for a number of reasons. Firstly, lower mortgage rates. With the Bank of England base rate now at 3.75%, we are seeing a wave of buyers returning to the market with clearer budgets and more confidence.

“Next, the ‘character’ factor. National data shows semi-detached homes were the ‘stars’ of last year, but in CV37, our detached family homes and period cottages in villages like Tiddington, Loxley and Shottery remain the highest performers.

“Finally there is increased choice. Rightmove reports new listings are up 81% compared to the end of last year. For our clients, this is the best selection of stock we’ve seen in years, making it the perfect time for ‘second-steppers’ to find their forever home.

“At Sheldon Bosley Knight, we believe in ‘people first’ and if you’re looking at the market this Blue Monday, here is why you should feel optimistic.

“For sellers, the spring market has effectively arrived two months early. With buyer enquiries up 57% nationally, your property isn’t just sitting on a portal, it’s being actively hunted by a pool of motivated buyers who are ready to move before the Easter rush.

“For buyers, while prices are nudging up, the sheer volume of new instructions means you have more leverage and more choice than at any point in the last decade.”

If you are looking to move this year and would like a market appraisal, please call into one of our offices and book an appointment.