Plan with Certainty: Expert Predictions
After The Group’s most successful year in 32 years, experienced local Managers reveal what’s next for London and Kent in 2026 to help you plan with certainty.
A Market Moving Again – With Certainty
If 2025 felt slow or uncertain, you weren’t alone. Estate agents up and down the country described it as one of the toughest years on record. However, despite a year with many challenges, including a budget that stalled plans for many, we helped more buyers, sellers and property investors than ever before!
That’s not luck. It’s the result of extensive local knowledge, honest advice and a team of experts who deliver exceptional results, no matter the market conditions. So, as we step into 2026, we’ve spoken to our Managers and local Partners about what’s coming next - and how you can make the most of the opportunities ahead.
1. Sellers: Early Movers Will Benefit Most in 2026
"The market is better than sellers think. When I speak to friends and family, their initial response is 'no one's moving' – but in reality, it's the opposite." Tony Murray, Branch Manager at Blackfen.
After a hesitant end to 2025, confidence is returning fast. Rightmove predicts a 2% rise in asking prices nationally, with steadier growth across London and the South East. Early 2026 activity is already outpacing last year's start.
Sellers who act early, especially with well-presented homes and realistic pricing, will benefit from rising demand before the spring rush brings more competition.
The benefits speak for themselves. Our customers achieve more on average for their properties, go under offer quicker and have a better chance of completing. This mover advantage matters most when the market is picking up momentum.
Take action: Book your free valuation today and find out what your home could achieve in 2026.
2. First-Time Buyers: Mortgage Rates Falling – Time to Act
"With mortgage deals and rates dropping, first-time buyers will be back with big dreams… and they'll need to engage early to secure the best properties." Spencer Humble, Partner at Plumstead.
After months of waiting, first-time buyers are returning. Falling mortgage rates and better lending options mean homeownership is becoming more achievable – and many who paused in 2025 are now ready to act.
One major UK bank has already dropped mortgage rates in early January, and analysts expect competition between lenders to push some deals below 3.5% by Spring.
The challenge is speed. The best properties sell quickly, and buyers who arrange their mortgage early give themselves a real advantage.
Take action: Speak to an Independent Financial Advisers at your local sales office. They’ll assess your situation and help you budget – based on the most competitive mortgage deals.
3. Upsizers: Competition Returns for Well-Priced Homes
"We're seeing buyers compete again, and in some cases, offering more assertively. Especially at the lower end of the market, the signs are surprisingly strong. Meaning that upsizers have a potentially bigger budget to play with." Kevin Wooder, Owner Partner in Bexley Village.
Families looking to upsize will find that the best homes are attracting serious interest – but only when priced correctly. Our Managers agree: realistic pricing and standout presentation will be key to achieving a successful sale to facilitate a quicker move.
Buyers remain mindful of their budgets. The days of overpricing and waiting are gone – the market rewards sellers who get it right from day one.
Take action: Thinking about upsizing? Ask your local sales team about current demand in your postcode – there could be more interest than you think.
4. Expert Insight: Mortgage Lending on the Rise
"We're expecting UK mortgage lending to grow this year – great news for buyers and homeowners alike." James King, Director at Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB)
Mortgage lending is predicted to rise by 11% in 2026, driven by improving affordability and increasing demand. This applies not just to first-time buyers or movers, but also to homeowners coming off fixed deals this year and looking to remortgage.
Lower monthly payments, improving affordability, competitive product choice and greater flexibility mean borrowing is getting easier - but it pays to act early.
Top tip: Whether you’re buying, remortgaging or just curious about your purchasing budget - speak to us first. We compare deals across the market to save you time and money.
5. Landlords: 2026 Brings Opportunity for Smart Investors
"Some landlords will exit due to pressure from tax and regulation, but that opens the door for smarter investors to step in." Stuart Harris, London Lettings Manager.
2026 is a turning point for many landlords. Some are reviewing their portfolios ahead of tax changes or exiting due to compliance demands. Others, particularly long-term investors and those operating through limited companies, see real opportunity.
Properties in good condition, professionally managed and priced correctly remain in strong demand. Across the South East, tenant competition continues to support healthy returns.
What’s changing is the level of professionalism required. With rental reform on the horizon and enforcement becoming more robust, landlords who already run their investments properly will be best placed to succeed. The market is moving away from casual ownership and towards long-term, well-managed portfolios, a shift that increasingly favours committed investors.
Over 60% of our landlords now choose our Fully Managed service – a sign that investors want a consistent income, ensure compliance, whilst protecting their time to enjoy the returns and live life to the fullest.
Take action: Speak to a local lettings centre for a review of your BTL portfolio and invest smarter in 2026. For deeper insight into legislation, compliance and long-term strategy, landlords can also subscribe to The Seasoned Investor, our experience-led publication written by landlords, for landlords.
Bonus Prediction: The ‘Hyper Local’ Advantage
Whilst estate agents will observe national forecasts and regional trends, many predict the significance of ‘hyper local’ knowledge’. Forget examining prices in a county or town, insights will matter most at a road-by-road level. Only the leading agents, like The Robinson Jackson Group, will be able to deliver the ‘hyper local’ advantage for their customers.
With over 10,000 valuations delivered annually for our sales and lettings customers, we hold the knowledge you need to make your plans a reality.
Act Now: Plan with Certainty
With trusted advice, hyper local knowledge and our most experienced team ever, we're here to help you plan with certainty in 2026.
Book your free valuation, mortgage appointment or portfolio review today – all contact details are available on our website.
Together, we make it happen
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