Featured Listing – Priory Quay, Christchurch – Set within the prestigious Priory Quay Marina, the property includes a 9m mooring.
Slades – Estate Agents in Bransgore, Christchurch, Highcliffe & Southbourne
If you’re considering buying a home in 2026, particularly in the areas covered by Slades, with offices in Christchurch, Southbourne, Bransgore, or Highcliffe, you’re not alone. Dorset’s coastal and village markets continue to attract strong interest, and this year presents a balanced and encouraging environment for buyers.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer stepping onto the ladder or a second stepper looking for more space, 2026 offers a combination of improved mortgage conditions, healthy housing supply, and steady demand.
What the Stats Tell Us About Local Prices
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average house price across Dorset in late 2025 was around £336,000 – slightly higher than the previous year and reflective of a steady local market. The average for first-time buyers was approximately £264,000, while homes purchased with a mortgage ran around £328,000.
Within the Dorset area:
Recent local modelling data suggests that average prices in Christchurch and surrounding settlements hover around £438,000, with variation from circa £411,000 in Christchurch town to around £511,000 in Highcliffe and about £525,000 in Bransgore.
These figures show that homes in this coastal and hinterland area remain above the Dorset average, a reflection of ongoing buyer demand and the desirability of the region.
Local Market Dynamics: Choice and Stability
Unlike some overheated markets, Dorset’s housing market has moved into a more measured phase:
- Balanced price trends – average values are steady
- Local stock is improving – more properties are reaching the market than in the past couple of years, giving buyers choice. Lifestyle demand remains strong, coastal living, village charm and access to the New Forest continue to draw both young professionals and families.
- Christchurch and Highcliffe – are especially popular for coastal access and quality of life, while Southbourne blends beachside appeal with good transport links. Bransgore stands out as a more affordable village option close to countryside yet within reach of wider Dorset amenities.
Importantly, we’re not seeing the frenzied bidding wars of 2021 – 2022. Instead, we have a stable market where well-prepared buyers can make informed, confident decisions.
Mortgage Interest Rates: Improved Confidence
Mortgage rates have eased compared to their recent peak, bringing renewed confidence to the market. While rates are not at historic lows, they are far more predictable, and lenders are competing strongly for business.
In 2026 we’re seeing:
- Greater availability of 90 – 95% loan-to-value products
- Competitive fixed-rate options
- More flexible underwriting for employed and self-employed buyers
For first-time buyers in particular, improved product availability has reopened the door to home ownership. For second steppers, refinancing and porting mortgages has become more manageable, making onward moves less daunting.
Stability, rather than dramatic rate drops, is what’s driving confidence this year.
First-Time Buyers: A Window of Opportunity
For those buying their first home in Christchurch, Southbourne or Highcliffe, 2026 offers several positives:
- More flats and starter homes coming to market
- Developers and sellers willing to negotiate
- Improved mortgage affordability compared to the previous two years
Southbourne remains especially popular with younger buyers and professionals due to its coastal lifestyle and proximity to Bournemouth and transport links.
With rents remaining strong across the region, many first-time buyers are deciding that buying now, in a stable market, makes long-term financial sense.
Second Steppers: Lifestyle Moves Driving Demand
For growing families or lifestyle movers, Dorset remains incredibly attractive.
- Christchurch offers strong schooling and waterside living.
- Highcliffe provides coastal homes with excellent access to the New Forest.
- Bransgore attracts buyers wanting larger plots and a semi-rural feel.
We’re seeing continued demand for three- and four-bedroom houses, particularly those offering home-office space, energy efficiency improvements, and good gardens.
With more stock available than in recent years, second steppers can often secure a sale and purchase without the intense pressure that defined earlier markets.
Buyer Trends in 2026
Key trends shaping the Dorset market this year include:
- Lifestyle prioritisation – Coastal and countryside living remains highly desirable.
- Energy efficiency awareness – Buyers are factoring EPC ratings and running costs into decisions.
- Chain confidence returning – More buyers and sellers are re-entering the market, improving overall fluidity.
- Realistic growth expectations – Price increases are modest and sustainable, rather than speculative.
This is a market driven by genuine need and lifestyle choice, not short-term speculation, which is a healthy sign.
The Verdict: Is 2026 a Good Year to Buy?
Yes – for well-prepared buyers, 2026 presents genuine opportunity.
✔ Mortgage conditions are stable and competitive
✔ Supply levels give buyers more choice
✔ Negotiation is possible in many cases
✔ Demand remains strong for desirable Dorset locations
✔ Price growth is steady and sustainable
For first-time buyers, this is a year of improved accessibility. For second steppers, it’s a market that allows strategic, confident moves.
If you’re considering a purchase in Christchurch, Southbourne, Bransgore or Highcliffe, the key is preparation: secure mortgage advice early, understand your budget clearly, and work with experienced local professionals who understand micro-market nuances.
In a balanced market like 2026, informed buyers are in a strong position, and Dorset continues to be one of the South Coast’s most desirable places to call home.
Recently listed by Slades
Here are a few recently listed homes –
House for Sale in Bransgore – Guide Price £400,000
House for Sale in Christchurch – £625,000
Flat for Sale in Highcliffe – Guide Price £365,000
House for Sale in Wick, Bournemouth – £550,000
To see the very latest homes as they hit the portal, head to our website and click ‘New to market homes‘.
Planning a move in 2026
If you’d like a clear, evidence-based view of value and a marketing plan tuned to today’s conditions, we’ll help you set the right strategy – street-by-street pricing, best-in-class presentation, and proactive buyer matching – so you can move forward with confidence. Please feel free to contact any of our offices, either for an informal chat about the market and how we can help, or to book a market appraisal.
Why not try our Instant online valuation tool to get started?
Jason Hallowes MNAEA MARLA – Director Slades Estate Agents
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