Thinking About Moving Home in 2026? How to Set Yourself Up for Success and Make the Most of the Spring Market!
- Adrian Collins
- Sep 9, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 20, 2025
Planning to move in 2026? Starting your preparations now can transform what might be an overwhelming experience into a smooth, stress-free process. By proactively reviewing your finances, making some necessary home improvements, and exploring available properties early, you help limit any last minute stress. It also helps you make better decisions, and sets you up for a smooth, successful move when Spring arrives. Get started today and turn what can be an overwhelming prospect into an exciting new chapter!
Understanding the Market: Setting Realistic Goals for Moving Home 2026
Start by familiarising yourself with the local market. While predicting the exact market conditions in 2026 is impossible, keeping an eye on current trends and speaking with local estate agents can give you a ballpark idea of your potential sale price. You’ll also then know what your ideal next property looks like price wise. Setting realistic goals early helps you avoid disappointment and plan accordingly.
Action Step: Contact local estate agents for a property valuation or market update to understand what you can expect during the coming months and as we move into 2026.
Review Your Finances and Mortgage Options
A key part of preparing to sell is ensuring your finances are well in order:
Start by reviewing your current mortgage: are you tied into a fixed rate? If so, have you considered if it’s better to move your mortgage (if your lender allows) to your next home or repay entirely and start again?
Calculate how much capital (‘Equity’) you’ll have towards your move: Sounds obvious but this is simply your proposed sale price minus your mortgage.
Your move costs can be covered by your equity: providing you have sufficient equity towards your deposit and moving costs, you could move home without calling upon your savings, leaving those intact for a rainy day.
Have you considered keeping and renting out your home? If you’ve built up some equity you could simplify your move by keeping your current property – check out Moving Home Without Selling, How Do Let To Buy Mortgages Work? and see if this is a viable option for you.
Action Step: Book a consultation with a mortgage broker now to explore your borrowing options and, before you market your home, obtain a new Mortgage Agreement in Principle.
How Much Does it Cost to Move Home?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the typical costs involved in moving home (please note these figures can vary):
Estate agents fee: Usually a fixed price or around 1% of your sale price.
Solicitors’ legal fees: Expect to pay between £3,000 and £4,000 for buying and selling.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Depends on the purchase price of your new home. Use a Stamp Duty calculator to estimate your costs.
Mortgage fees: These will vary; discuss with your mortgage broker, or bank if you’re arranging your mortgage directly.
Optional Survey for your next home: Typically costing from £450 to £1,000, depending on the property size and type of survey required. Check our article Should I Arrange a Survey for more information.
Home removal firm: If you’re not relishing the idea of moving yourself, you can instruct a removal firm. Costs will vary; it’s best to get quotes and book them as early as you can!
Planning ahead helps you understand and manage all these costs to make your move smoother and free from any last minute unexpected bills!
Action Step:Make a budget by getting quotes from estate agents, solicitors, your mortgage broker, local removal firms, and surveyors.
Make Your Home Stand Out!
Small improvements to your home can boost its appeal and add more value down the line. Think about freshening up paintwork, tidying up your garden, or updating any key features. Additionally, presenting your home well can make your property more attractive once listed.
Action Step: Create a list of potential upgrades and set a timeline to complete them in the months ahead, ensuring your home is ready to impress buyers.
Declutter and Depersonalise
Begin the process of decluttering your home gradually. A tidy, neutral environment appeals to a broader range of buyers and can help your property sell faster and at a better price.
Action Step: Dedicate a few hours each month to decluttering, donating unwanted items, and organising storage spaces. Keep your home clean and welcoming.
Planning Your Move Is Key
It's not uncommon to see sellers offering on a new property before they have a buyer in place; excitement can quickly take over, which is understandable! However, if you are looking to make an offer before having someone interested in your home, estate agents / sellers may not take you seriously. Being less prepared could mean missing out if other interested parties are in a stronger position.
Action Step: Speak with a mortgage broker about your future move plans and get your mortgage pre-approved for buying your next property.
Start researching potential areas and properties to ensure your finances align with your goals. Getting pre-approval for a mortgage on your next home can save valuable time later.
Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan
Market conditions and our personal circumstances can and often do change, so it’s important to revisit your plan periodically. Set reminders for reviews, ideally every 2 to 3 months, and stay informed about property market updates and interest rate changes.
Action Step: Schedule check-ins with your estate agent & mortgage broker to keep your plan on track.
Some Final Thoughts
Thinking ahead about moving home in 2026 allows you to make strategic decisions early, reducing stress and increasing your chances of a successful sale & purchase at the right time. By understanding the market, reviewing your finances, and making targeted improvements now, you’ll be well-positioned to capitalise on what is usually a buoyant spring market.
For more helpful advice, check out our detailed articles, Moving Home Tips & Moving Home Without Selling, How Do Let To Buy Mortgages Work?
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re serious about selling in 2026, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team can help you understand your options, plan your next move, and ensure you’re ready when the market is.
Remember: The early bird catches the worm! Start planning today to ensure a smooth and successful move when the spring selling season arrives.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Typically we do not charge a fee for arranging a mortgage, however, the actual fee will depend on your circumstances.
Published by Adrian Collins, Founder of Beechwood Mortgages Ref: 219335 with review and approval from Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Ref: 454811.
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