Mudeford Spit is a unique sandy peninsula forming a natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the sea
Slades – Estate Agents in Bransgore, Christchurch, Highcliffe & Southbourne
The local property market in and around Bournemouth – and right across our Slades patch of Bransgore, Christchurch, Highcliffe and Southbourne – has seen a strong start to 2026. During the first few weeks of January, we’ve seen a clear uplift in enquiries, viewings and offers, with the first-time buyer segment particularly active. Our experience locally is also mirrored nationally, with Rightmove reporting a record ‘Boxing Day Bounce’, as home-movers headed online straight after Christmas to line up their next move.
What the latest data says
Rightmove’s January House Price Index shows average new-seller asking prices rose by 2.8% between late December and January – the largest January increase on record, and the biggest monthly rise since June 2015. It’s an eye-catching headline, but the national picture does not reflect what’s happening locally. There is certainly more energy, more stock coming to market, and more buyers willing to book viewings quickly. But an increase in asking prices is not a reality locally.
The devil is in the detail
Before we all declare a price boom, a little perspective helps. The jump in asking prices follows the pre-Budget leak jitters that cooled confidence across the second half of 2025. In simple terms, asking prices have largely returned to where they were in summer 2025, before those rumours surfaced. It’s also a national average: while many regions posted increases around 1.5%, the North East saw a much larger 7% rise in asking prices, which pulled the UK average up. Local micro-markets can, and do, move differently.
Cautious optimism (with pricing discipline)
After a fairly flat finish to 2025, cautious optimism is well-placed. It’s equally important to recognise supply dynamics:
- The number of homes for sale is at its highest for this time of year since 2014.
- Roughly one-third of existing listings on Rightmove have seen a price reduction.
That combination tells a simple story: buyers have choice, and sellers must price to compete. When new instructions launch at sensible, evidence-based guides, they pick up early viewings and progress to offers. When they “test the market” too high, they tend to sit, and the eventual reduction rarely recreates the early momentum.
What we’re seeing across our four offices
- Christchurch – Turn-key family homes near the harbour and Priory, plus well-located bungalows, are drawing quick interest when priced in line with recent sold comparables.
- Southbourne – Seafront flats along the Overcliff and character houses off Southbourne Grove perform best with accurate guides that reflect outlook, outside space and parking. Flexible after-work and weekend viewings really matter here.
- Highcliffe – Clifftop, castle-side and sea-view stock remains aspirational; at the higher end, precision pricing is essential. Buyers are scrutinising EPCs, garden orientation and modern upgrades to justify stronger figures.
- Bransgore – Village family homes on the edge of the New Forest are attracting upsizers and relocators seeking space and schools. Good kerb appeal and realistic pricing are turning first-week viewings into offers.
2026 predictions – what the pundits are saying
January always brings forecasts, and most commentators frame 2026 as a transition year – from a subdued 2025 to a steadier, more active market with modest growth:
- Modest price growth: broad expectations of +1% to +4% over the year.
- First-time buyers in focus: improving affordability and abundant choice should keep this segment busy.
- Increased activity: many “budget-pausers” from late 2025 are re-entering the market, supporting a more normal level of transactions.
Key 2026 Market Predictions
Regional performance
- London & South East: The highest-priced brackets may underperform, with stretched affordability and talk of a potential ‘mansion tax’ weighing on sentiment at the top end. In some premium pockets, prices could be flat – or even softer.
Mortgage and economic factors
- Interest rates: further Bank of England base rate cuts are widely expected in 2026, with some projections settling around 3.25% by mid-year.
- Mortgage availability: lenders may not cut sharply (much is already priced in). Expect 2-year fixes potentially dipping below 3.5%, with many products hovering in the 3.75% – 4% range.
- Supply: a 10-year high in the number of homes for sale looks set to linger into early 2026, giving buyers choice and bargaining power.
What this means if you’re selling in 2026
- Price with proof
Anchor your guide to recent sold comparables and today’s active competition – street by street, not just by postcode. Account for condition, energy performance, aspect, parking and proximity to coast/forest or transport. - Win the launch window
Most enquiries arrive in the first 10–14 days. Invest in standout photography, accurate floorplans and concise, benefits-led copy. Tidy gardens, fresh paintwork and small fixes (handles, seals, lighting) elevate first impressions. - Front-load the legals
Instruct your solicitor at launch and gather ID, property information forms, warranties/certificates and – if leasehold – service-charge and ground-rent packs. With long chains and busy conveyancers, being “contract-ready” can shave weeks off the process. - Maximise access
Offer after-work and weekend viewing slots. In Highcliffe and Southbourne especially, short-notice access can translate into stronger offers from motivated buyers.
What this means if you’re buying
- Affordability is improving: even modest mortgage rate reductions, paired with easing inflation, can tip the month-to-month sums in your favour.
- Choice is your ally: with a wide pool of listings, you have time to compare, revisit and negotiate—just make sure you’re mortgage-ready so you can act decisively when the right home appears.
- Think resale: by the sea (views, direct access, parking) and by the forest (plot, light, school catchments) are enduring value drivers. Energy upgrades and modern layouts also hold their worth.
Recently listed by Slades
Here are a few current examples and useful pages
House for Sale in Christchurch – Guide Price £700,000
House for Sale in Christchurch – £600,000
House for Sale in Bournemouth – Guide Price £475,000
Apartment for Sale in Bournemouth – £395,000
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
See what our customers say about us – see our customer reviews.