BLOGS
Local Property Market: Looking Back at 2025 and Ahead to 2026
Posted at 3.45pm 5th January 2026 by Oliver Gill - 3 mins read
As we move into a new year, it’s a natural time to reflect on how the local property market has performed and what may lie ahead. For homeowners and buyers in the local area, 2025 was a year of adjustment, laying the foundations for what could be a more confident market in 2026.
A Brief Round-Up of the 2025 Property Market
The defining theme of 2025 was gradual adjustment amid ongoing uncertainty. Following the turbulence of recent years, the market began to find its footing, supported by improving economic signals and renewed buyer confidence, helped in part by changes in the mortgage market.
Throughout the year, we had four interest rate adjustments, with the year ending at 3.75%, bringing the Bank of England base rate to its lowest level since February 2023. While the rate falling below 4% came late in the year, early signs have been encouraging, with buyers showing greater confidence – particularly around affordability.
Across Saddleworth and the surrounding villages, the lower to middle sections of the market performed particularly well. Family homes and well-presented properties in desirable locations continued to attract strong interest, and when priced sensibly, many achieved healthy levels of competition.
It was also pleasing to see a strong presence of first-time buyers, with many taking their first steps onto the property ladder.
However, the picture was not uniform across all sectors. The investment market struggled, in part due to the additional Stamp Duty Land Tax levied on landlords, which continued to weigh heavily on investor demand. This reduced competition for certain property types and contributed further to the divide between owner-occupier demand and investment activity. As a result of fewer investment purchases, rental prices increased again during the year.
At the same time, the higher end of the market remained slower, with larger and higher-value homes often taking longer to sell. Ongoing economic uncertainty meant many buyers at this level adopted a more cautious, wait-and-see approach.
Key Local Market Trends in 2025
Several trends were particularly noticeable in Saddleworth last year:
- Buyers were increasingly price-conscious and well informed
- Well-presented, energy-efficient homes sold more quickly
- Chain-free properties attracted strong interest
- Realistic pricing from the outset led to better outcomes
Overall, 2025 was a market that rewarded preparation, presentation, and a pragmatic approach.
What Could 2026 Bring for the Saddleworth Property Market?
Looking ahead, there are reasons for cautious optimism as we enter 2026.
The December interest rate cut is expected to have a fuller impact on the mortgage market in the early part of the year. If borrowing costs continue to stabilise or reduce further, this should help improve affordability and bring increased confidence back into the market.
This may result in:
- Increased market activity, as buyers return with greater confidence
- Continued strength in the lower and middle price brackets, particularly for family homes
- A gradual improvement at the upper end of the market, as economic conditions become clearer and more predictable
While significant price growth is unlikely, steady and sustainable increases are possible, particularly for well-located and well-presented homes in popular Saddleworth villages.
Advice for Buyers and Sellers in 2026
For buyers, 2026 could present a strong window of opportunity – especially before competition increases further. Being organised, securing finance early, and acting decisively will remain key advantages.
For sellers, success will continue to depend on careful preparation. Accurate pricing, effective marketing, and expert local advice will be essential in achieving the best possible result in what looks set to be a more balanced and confident market.