Is 2026 the right time to move?

As we enter the New Year, many homeowners and buyers across Harbury, Leamington Spa and the surrounding villages start asking the same question: Is 2026 the right time to move?

January is often a defining month in the property market. It sets the tone for the year ahead and brings renewed focus for buyers and sellers alike. At Hawthorn & Co, we believe decisions around moving home should be based on clarity, evidence and local insight, not guesswork or pressure.

Here’s what we’re seeing, and what it could mean if you’re considering a move in early 2026.

Understanding the January Property Market

January traditionally brings a noticeable shift in momentum. After the festive pause, serious buyers return with clear intentions and realistic expectations. Many have spent time reviewing finances, discussing plans and refining what they are looking for.

In our local market, we often see:

An increase in buyer enquiries from motivated purchasers
Fresh instructions coming to market, particularly from sellers who delayed launching in December
Strong engagement with well-presented, realistically priced homes

While activity tends to rise, the key point is quality. January buyers are usually decisive and well-prepared, which can create the right conditions for meaningful conversations and strong outcomes.

What we’re expecting in early 2026

While no agent can predict the future with certainty, our experience across Harbury, Southam, Whitnash and nearby villages suggests early 2026 will continue to reward homes that are priced correctly and marketed properly from day one.

Buyers are informed. They are comparing sold prices, not asking prices, and they respond best to homes that feel well-positioned and thoughtfully presented.

We expect to see:

Continued demand for village homes with good layout and presentation
Strong interest in properties that are ready to move into, or clearly priced to reflect work required
A clear advantage for sellers who launch with an evidence-led strategy rather than testing the market

Thinking of selling in January 2026?

If you’re considering a January launch, preparation is key. The homes that perform best are rarely rushed. They are positioned with intent.

As an owner-led, independent agency, we work closely with our clients to get the fundamentals right:

Presentation done properly
Clear, well-lit photography, considered styling and marketing that shows how a home feels, not just what it offers.

Evidence-led pricing
We base our advice on recent sold data and local buyer behaviour, not inflated figures designed to win instructions.

Clear communication from start to finish
From WhatsApp updates and app-based reporting to regular calls and honest feedback, you’re never left guessing.

In a January market, the first few weeks matter. Getting it right early often makes the biggest difference to final results.

Buying in the New Year: What to consider

For buyers, January can be an excellent time to act, but preparation is essential.

We recommend:

Having your finances agreed in principle
Being clear on location, budget and non-negotiables
Acting decisively when the right home comes along

With new properties launching and motivated sellers entering the market, buyers who are organised and realistic are well placed.

Why local, owner-led advice matters

At Hawthorn & Co, we take a deliberately boutique approach. We work with fewer clients at any one time so we can offer better advice, stronger communication and genuine involvement throughout the process.

Clients deal directly with the people running the business. That means accountability, consistency and advice rooted in real local knowledge, not generic scripts.

Our role is to simplify the process, provide honest guidance and help you make confident decisions at the right time for you.

Considering a move in 2026? Let’s talk

Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying, or simply planning ahead, January is a sensible time to have a conversation.

No pressure. No inflated promises. Just clear, evidence-led advice based on what’s happening locally.

If you’d like to discuss your plans for 2026, we’re here to help make your next chapter simple.

Is 2026 the right time to move? What the January property market looks like in Harbury and surrounding villages