As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the property market across Surrey and Hampshire has shown encouraging resilience, with both the sales and lettings sectors demonstrating positive underlying momentum. While wider economic factors continue to shape sentiment, the overall picture is one of stability, improving choice and growing opportunity for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants alike.
A Positive Start to 2026
The year began with renewed activity across the UK property market, and this has been reflected locally. Increased stock has been a key theme, with more homes coming to market and buyers returning with greater intent. In fact, Zoopla reported a 6% increase in homes for sale compared to a year ago, signalling a strong uplift in seller confidence and providing buyers with more choice.
This increase in supply is particularly noticeable across the South East, including Surrey and Hampshire, where stock levels have improved after a tighter period in previous years. For agents and movers, this is a healthy sign of a more balanced and functioning market.
Sales Market: Stable, Active and Full of Opportunity
House price growth in the early months of the year has remained steady rather than dramatic—something that is widely seen as a positive. Most indices suggest modest annual growth in the region of 1–3%, reflecting a market which is stable and sustainable.
Rightmove data has also shown seasonal increases in asking prices through March, with activity levels remaining strong and buyer demand consistent.
Importantly, transaction levels remain robust, demonstrating that despite ongoing economic considerations, people are still motivated to move. For Surrey and Hampshire specifically, this translates into:
- Continued demand for well-priced family homes
- Strong interest from first-time buyers
- A more considered, but still active, buyer pool
Mortgage rates remain a factor for many buyers and continue to influence affordability. However, despite this, demand has held up well, highlighting the underlying strength of the market and the continued desire to move.
Overall, the sales market in Q1 can be characterised as balanced, price-sensitive and full of realistic opportunity – a welcome shift from the extremes of recent years.
Lettings Market: Evolving and Opportunity-Rich
The lettings market across Surrey and Hampshire has also seen positive movement in early 2026. After several years of intense competition and rapid rental growth, conditions are now beginning to stabilise.
Supply has improved slightly, giving tenants more choice, while demand remains strong—particularly for well-presented, professionally managed homes. Rental growth continues, however, at a more sustainable pace, creating a healthier long-term environment for both landlords and tenants.
A key topic shaping the lettings landscape is the Renters Reform Bill, which is set to bring significant changes to the private rental sector. While these reforms are designed to improve standards and security for tenants, they also introduce increased responsibility and compliance requirements for landlords.
For landlords across Surrey and Hampshire, this highlights the growing importance of working with a professional lettings and property management team.
A strong management service can:
- Ensure compliance with evolving legislation
- Handle tenant communication and expectations
- Protect your investment through proactive maintenance
- Minimise risk and void periods
In an environment where regulation is increasing, having expert support is not just beneficial—it’s essential in protecting both your property and your long-term returns.
What’s Driving the Market?
Several key factors have underpinned the market’s performance so far this year:
- Improved stock levels, giving buyers and tenants more choice
- Sustained demand across both sales and lettings
- A more balanced market, allowing for considered decision-making
- Pent-up demand, with many movers delayed from previous years now re-entering the market
While there has been some softening in urgency compared to peak market conditions, this is widely seen as a return to normality rather than a slowdown.
Outlook: The Next 2–3 Months
Looking ahead to late spring and early summer, the outlook for Surrey and Hampshire remains positive.
Most forecasts suggest:
- Continued modest house price growth through 2026
- A busy spring/summer market, traditionally the strongest period for transactions
- Further improvements in supply, supporting ongoing activity
- A lettings market that remains resilient, with a growing focus on quality and compliance
As confidence builds and seasonal momentum kicks in, the next few months are likely to bring:
- Increased buyer competition for well-presented homes
- Strong viewing levels across key family locations
- Continued demand in the rental sector, particularly for managed properties
A Market Full of Opportunity
While wider economic headlines may create uncertainty, the reality across Surrey and Hampshire is far more encouraging. The market is active, stable and increasingly balanced – creating opportunities for all types of movers.
- For sellers, there is a motivated buyer pool and improved confidence
- For buyers, there is more choice and the ability to make considered decisions
- For landlords, demand remains strong, with professional management playing a more important role than ever
As we move into the traditionally busy spring and summer period, all signs point towards a healthy and active property market, one that continues to reward those ready to make their move.
Whether you’re considering selling, buying, letting or reviewing your current property’s value, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation valuation or a personalised local market update, tailored specifically to your town, village and street.
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