Rightmove thinks that Wales will see the biggest house price rise in the UK in 2026
Interest in the housing market bounces back on Boxing Day and into the new year(Image: Google maps)
The turn of the year has become a popular period for moving, with people kick-starting their next property journey as soon as the Christmas festivities conclude in what has now become known as the ‘Boxing Day bounce’ which springs into the New Year and beyond.
Every year property portal Rightmove says it typically witnesses this ‘bounce’ in activity on its website from a quieter Christmas Day into a busier Boxing Day and then into the New Year.
Rightmove states that once Christmas Day festivities have concluded, and along with the usual group of movers they would typically expect to come to market from Boxing Day, for the first quarter of 2026, it predicts that the market will also include people who have put their plans on hold over the last few months due to Budget uncertainty. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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The company’s survey of over 10,000 potential movers showed 1 in 5 people were waiting to see the outcome of the UK’s Budget before resuming their moving plans and so they anticipate that many of these ‘Budget-pausers’ that could afford to wait will become ‘Boxing Day-bouncers’ as they get their plans going again.
Nationally Rightmove forecasts a 2% increase in new seller asking prices by the end of 2026, following an unexpected dip of 0.6% in 2025, which was characterised by a split narrative – the latter half of the year dampened by Budget-related concerns after a promising first half.
But the company anticipates improved buyer affordability and a good selection of properties for sale bolstering market activity, with the trend into 2026 in Wales being a modest rise in house prices of 3%, greater than for London and for Great Britain as a whole, and equal with Scotland.
Rightmove price forecast 2026
Wales +3%
Great Britain +2%
London +1%
Scotland +3%
The predictions are grounded in data that encompasses over 90% of the market, according to Rightmove, who say they employ a house price predictive model fuelled by millions of supply, demand and pricing data points, along with insights from a panel of Rightmove experts.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert says: “2026 will be a mix of some key property market themes continuing, and other new trends emerging. We expect many of those who put their moving plans on hold over the last few months will pick them back up again from Boxing Day and into the new year.
“We predict the market will look and feel very different depending on which area of Great Britain you’re in, and the type of property you’re looking to sell or buy, with big differences particularly between the south of England and the rest of Great Britain.”
Will Wales experience the highest house price increase trend in 2026?(Image: Google maps)
Rightmove predicts that some first-time buyers could take advantage of 2026 market conditions, stating they foresee that average wage growth will outpace house price growth, improving buyer affordability, while many first-time buyers will also benefit from being able to borrow more due to Loan-To-Income and stress rate changes.
The high number of available homes for sale will mean it continues to be a buyer’s market in 2026, giving first-time buyers more negotiating power too. While rents are still at record levels, yearly rent rises have been slowing, which is some help for those would-be first-time buyers saving up their deposit.
Colleen Babcock continues: “The market conditions next year will favour typical first-time buyers over those at the top-end of the market. If first-time buyers can get their deposit together, they may find a mortgage cheaper than their rent, particularly if the UK Budget’s 2% increase in property taxes for landlords is passed onto tenants.
Could 2026 signal an easier time for first-time buyers?(Image: Google maps)
“However, these more favourable conditions do not remove the challenges facing first-time buyers. Many will likely still rely on the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to help with their deposit.”
Simon Cairnes, property expert at BuyAssociation, comments: “What we’re seeing now isn’t new demand, it’s delayed demand. Boxing Day becomes the release valve, and people who have been watching the market for months suddenly feel ready to act.
“From Boxing Day onwards is traditionally when people finally have the time and headspace to revisit major life decisions, including moving home or investing. But this year, the bounce is amplified by the fact that many buyers and sellers paused their plans throughout 2025.
“First-time buyers are a huge part of the Boxing Day audience. They tend to use the Christmas break to reassess finances, talk through plans with family, and decide whether the coming year is finally the right time to buy.
“Their return is particularly important because the first time buyer powers the market from the bottom up, especially in the flat and entry-level sectors. When first time buyers re-engage, it unlocks movement further up the chain. That’s why Boxing Day interest often signals wider activity in the months that follow.” For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.