Mortgage rates and affordability shape everything in 2026. In this article we explain what January is telling us about buyer confidence, borrowing power and why understanding your numbers early gives you a huge advantage.
Why affordability is driving buyer confidence in early 2026
Behind every property move is a financial decision.
What people can borrow.
What they can afford each month.
And whether moving feels realistic.
January is when those numbers get reviewed.
People speak to lenders, check their options and decide whether 2026 is the year they move.
Rightmove data shows that buyer enquiries rose sharply after Christmas as people returned to their home search with clearer budgets.
Source: Rightmove
That tells us affordability is no longer holding buyers back in the way it did during periods of uncertainty.
Why this matters for sellers
When buyers feel confident about their borrowing, they make offers.
They book viewings.
They compete.
They move faster.
That is exactly what we are seeing at the start of 2026.
This is why prices rose by 2.8% in January as buyer confidence returned.
Source: Rightmove
For sellers, this means the pool of people who can afford your home is growing.
Why buyers should check their numbers early
Buyers who understand their budget early have a huge advantage.
They can:
• Act quickly
• Negotiate confidently
• Avoid missing out
Waiting until the right home appears before checking affordability often means losing it.
If you want to see what your own move might look like financially, this is the fastest way to get clarity.
How The Avenue supports buyers
Affordability is only part of the journey.
Finding the right home, securing it and negotiating well matters just as much.
If you are planning to buy this year, you can explore how The Avenue supports buyers here.
What this means for the 2026 market
When affordability improves and buyer demand rises, the market moves.
That is exactly what January is showing us.
For buyers, it means opportunity.
For sellers, it means stronger demand.
The smartest moves start with knowing your numbers.
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