Rightmove Price Index - What It Means For Sussex Sellers This January
Record price jump as confidence in the Sussex market begins to build momentum.
The first Rightmove House Price Index of 2026 has landed, and it has certainly set the tone for the year ahead. January has delivered the largest ever price rise for the month, as buyers and sellers returned to the market in force after a quieter end to 2025 and lingering uncertainty around the Budget.
So what’s driving this bounce, and what does it mean for Sussex movers as we head towards Spring?
Nationally, the average asking price of a property coming to market now stands at £368,031, up 2.8% (+£9,893) from December. This is not only the biggest January increase on record, but the strongest month-on-month rise since June 2015. On an annual basis, prices are now 0.5% higher than this time last year, marking a return to growth after several months of subdued movement through the latter part of 2025.
A strong start to the year for activity
January’s price growth has been underpinned by a sharp rebound in market activity. The traditional Rightmove Boxing Day bounce was particularly strong this year:
- Buyer demand jumped 57% in the two weeks after Christmas compared to the fortnight before.
- New listings surged by 81% over the same period.
This suggests many movers used the festive break to plan ahead, with confidence improving once the Budget uncertainty faded. While demand is lower than the stamp-duty-fuelled rush seen at the start of 2025, it is broadly in line with early 2024 levels, which is an encouraging sign for the months ahead.
Plenty of choice means pricing still matters
Despite rising asking prices, this is not a market where sellers can be complacent. The number of homes available for sale is at its highest level for this time of year since 2014, and around one in three properties already on the market has seen a price reduction.
In short, buyers have choice.
Rightmove’s data shows that while seller confidence has improved, the most successful sales will still be those where pricing is realistic and aligned with local market conditions. Over-ambitious pricing risks longer selling times and eventual reductions.
How are different parts of the market performing?
Growth has been seen across all major sectors, with the strongest uplift at the top end:
First-time buyer homes: £225,544, up 1.6% month-on-month, though still 0.7% down annually
Second-steppers: £341,131, up 2.0% monthly and 0.5% year-on-year
Top of the ladder: £658,658, up 2.6% monthly and 0.5% annually
This pattern reflects returning confidence among home movers, particularly families looking to make their next step rather than wait for the spring rush.
Mortgage rates bring some welcome relief
One of the most positive factors supporting the market is affordability. Rightmove’s mortgage tracker shows the average two-year fixed rate is now 4.29%, its lowest level since before the 2022 mini-Budget, and down from 5.03% a year ago.
For a buyer purchasing at the national average price with a 20% deposit, this equates to a saving of over £100 per month compared to last year. The cheapest available two-year rates for larger deposits are now as low as 3.47%.
While further rate cuts are not widely expected until later in the year, current stability is giving buyers greater confidence to act.
Our take as we head towards spring
January’s figures point to a Sussex market that has found its footing again. Confidence is improving, activity levels are healthy, and mortgage affordability is moving in the right direction.
However, competition between sellers remains strong. Homes that are well presented, sensibly priced, and aligned with what buyers want are attracting the most interest. Those chasing the headline price growth without local market context may struggle.
As ever, if you’re thinking of selling or buying in the coming months, tailored advice based on your area and property type makes all the difference. With spring on the horizon, preparation now can put you in the strongest possible position.
