Asking prices have had their strongest start to a year since 2020.

Although the average price of newly listed homes is virtually flat in February, prices are up by 2.8% since December.

The latest Rightmove House Price Index reveals average prices in February are almost unchanged compared with January, falling by only £12 to £368,019.

According to the portal, they are also the same as a year ago. This is particularly beneficial to those first-time buyers saving for their first deposit.

Rightmove also points to average earnings which are up by 4.7% year-on-year, outpacing the last three years of cumulative property price growth.

Not only that, the number of homes for sale is at an 11-year high for this time of year, giving buyers more choice and negotiating power.

With interest rates predicted to fall further this year, helped by the recent fall in inflation, coupled with the high choice of homes for sale, better affordability and steadying buyer activity, it all points to 2026 shaping up to be a good year to buy.

Stratford residential sales manager Lisa Hunt agrees although average house prices in the town are above the national average.

She said: “Our local market has remained remarkably resilient with an average house price growth of roughly 3.6%, significantly over the past 12 months, outperforming the wider West Midlands and the flat national average.”

She highlighted second-steppers – those moving up from their first home – were the engine of the Stratford market and cited the three and four-bedroom family homes in areas like Old Town or Tiddington which remain in high demand.

She added: “We are seeing more boards go up in Stratford, but quality stock – well-presented period homes or modern builds with high energy efficiency – is still moving quickly.

“In Stratford, the narrative isn’t about a slowing market, but a maturing one. After the volatility of the last two years, a ‘flat’ month actually signals a return to a more predictable, seasonal market—which is good news for everyone.”

If you are looking to buy or sell this year please call our sales teams to get a free, no-obligation valuation. You can also check out www.seeitherefirst.co.uk for all our properties for sale.