Rightmove Price Index - What It Means For Sussex Sellers This December
A quieter December has set the scene for a more confident New Year, with improved affordability and a 2% price rise forecast for 2026.
As we close the door on 2025, the property market is finishing the year more quietly than usual. However, the bigger story is what lies ahead. According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, momentum is already building for a more confident 2026, with average asking prices forecast to rise by 2% in 2026.
A seasonal dip, not a market downturn
The average national asking price fell by 1.8% in December, bringing the typical property to £358,138. While prices usually soften at this time of year, this month’s drop was slightly larger than the long-term average.
This means average asking prices end 2025 around 0.6% lower than a year ago. Rather than signalling weakness, this reflects a combination of seasonal slowdown and a pause in activity caused by months of Budget-related uncertainty. Many buyers and sellers simply chose to wait.
Why the market slowed in the second half of 2025
The past year has felt like two very different markets. The first half of 2025 was encouraging:
- New seller listings were 9% higher than the same period in 2024
- Buyer demand was running 3% ahead year on year
Confidence dipped later in the year as speculation around possible property tax changes unsettled the market. In the second half of 2025:
- New listings fell to 4% below 2024 levels.
- Buyer demand dropped to 6% behind last year
Despite this slowdown, 2025 still ended on a positive note overall, with the number of sales agreed finishing 3% higher than in 2024. Well-priced homes continued to attract interest, while unrealistic pricing proved to be the main obstacle.
Confidence returning as the 2026 begins
With Budget uncertainty now behind us, early signs suggest a renewed sense of confidence as we head into the New Year. In some parts of the market, including higher-value homes, activity picked up almost immediately once clarity returned. Many buyers and sellers who paused their plans during the autumn are now preparing to re-enter the market, and a wave of new listings is expected as 2026 gets underway.
Mortgage rates are supporting affordability
Affordability is also improving, which is helping to underpin confidence:
- The average two-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.33%, down from 5.08% this time last year
- Wage growth continues to run ahead of inflation
- Lenders have eased some affordability and loan-to-income criteria
Combined with slightly lower house prices compared to last year, many buyers are finding their budgets stretch further as the New Year begins.
What to expect from the 2026 property market
Rightmove expects the housing market in 2026 to feel far more like the confident first half of 2025 than the hesitant second half. With good levels of choice, improving affordability, and greater economic certainty, average asking prices are predicted to rise by around 2% over the year.
That said, buyers remain value-conscious. Homes that are priced realistically and presented well are the ones likely to perform best.
Our local view for Sussex movers
For buyers across Brighton, Lewes, Shoreham by Sea and the surrounding areas, the early months of 2026 could offer an excellent window of opportunity. Choice remains strong, competition is more measured, and borrowing costs are easing.
For sellers, the New Year is shaping up to be a positive time to launch, especially for those prepared to price sensibly and present their homes at their best. Fresh demand, renewed confidence, and a sense of reset often make January and February some of the most active months of the year.
If you’re considering a move in 2026, now is the ideal time to start planning. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, we’re here to offer clear, local advice whenever you need it.
