In recent years, buyers have undoubtedly had the upper hand. With demand high but sellers thin on the ground they’ve called the shots when it comes to selling prices achieved. But falling interest rates and lower mortgage rates are attracting both buyers and sellers out of the woodwork, so does it mean that sellers will finally regain their power in 2026?

Weakening price growth

If you are selling, one of your more pressing questions will be how much you can you get for your property. Price growth, for the moment, is positive but its pace has slowed and, on some occasions, fallen – particularly at the end of last year. In December, for example, Rightmove reported that new seller asking prices had decreased 1.8% for the month, impacted heavily by the uncertainty that had preceded the Autumn Budget. It’s since bounced back in January as confidence has begun to return.

However, forecasters have tempered their predictions for house growth for 2026. Savills, for example, had previously predicted 4% growth by the end of the year but last November halved its predictions to 2%. Rightmove has also forecast the same.

Record availability of properties for sale

There also remains a glut of properties for buyers to pick from, with a twelve year high in the number of homes for sale in January. This means that buyers are less likely to compromise on properties that aren’t quite right for them.

This abundance of choice means that sellers must still temper their selling ambitions, pricing realistically and competitively to win a sale. According to Rightmove, a third of properties already on the market have had a price cut, so quick sales and a reduced likelihood of negotiation with potential sellers, demands that the price is right in the first place.

Increased demand, especially for first-time buyers and investors

Lower mortgage rates and improved affordability is bringing more buyers to market. As well as those looking to move, this also includes an increased number of first-time buyers and investors. However, such buyers remain focussed on value and won’t pay more than they have to for properties, no matter how much their affordability has improved.

Buyers still call the shots, for now

These factors mean that, for now at least, it’s still buyers that have the greater negotiating power. However, in some markets, activity is more buoyant, with faster sales closer to asking price. Until the market reaches more of an equilibrium, the usual caveats of great staging, realistic pricing and an ability to move quickly will be the best way for sellers to attract buyers.