Clarke Gammon – Estate Agents in Guildford, Haslemere & Liphook
The first few weeks of 2026 have started on a notably positive footing across our Surrey & Hampshire patch. From Guildford to Haslemere and Liphook, we’re seeing stronger enquiry levels, busy viewing diaries, and a welcome return of first-time buyers alongside upsizers who pressed pause late last year. The national picture supports what we’re feeling locally: buyer intent has re-emerged quickly following the holidays, with Rightmove reporting a record ‘Boxing Day Bounce’ as movers went online straight after Christmas to prime their next step.
A brisk January – what the numbers are saying
Rightmove’s January House Price Index reported that average new-seller asking prices rose by 2.8% between late December and late January, the largest January uplift on record, and the biggest monthly increase since June 2015.
Whilst this makes a great headline, this is a national overview and does not reflect what’s happening locally. On the ground, across Surrey & Hampshire, there is positive energy from buyers, more stock coming to the market, more viewings being booked and offers made. But an increase in asking prices is not a reality locally.
Why context matters
It’s worth adding a little perspective. The late-2025 market was unsettled by pre-Budget media speculation, which temporarily dented confidence and delayed the launch of some properties coming on the market. Much of January’s rise reflects a reset back to mid-2025 asking levels rather than a fresh surge in underlying values. It’s also a UK-wide snapshot: while many regions recorded c. +1.5% asking-price growth, the North East posted a much larger +7%, pulling the national average up. As ever, micro-markets behave differently, prime village houses in the Surrey Hills, family homes in Guildford’s school catchments, and commuter favourites around Haslemere and Liphook each follow their own rhythm.
Supply, choice and pricing discipline
Two realities are shaping strategies this winter:
- The number of homes for sale is at its highest level for this time of year since 2014.
- Roughly one in three existing listings on the portals has reduced its price at least once.
More choice is good news for buyers; for sellers, it underlines the importance of launching at a realistic, evidence-based guide. In the current environment, sensibly pitched homes capture the early-weeks “new to market” attention and progress to offers; over-ambitious guide prices tend to linger and then chase the market down with a reduction that rarely recreates week-one momentum.
What we’re seeing locally across our three locations
- Guildford – Family houses near sought-after schools (Tormead, George Abbot, Lanesborough) and smart town properties with access to the A3 and fast London rail are drawing decisive interest when the price reflects condition, EPC, and garden orientation. Riverside apartments are also attracting returning city buyers and downsizers seeking walk-to-amenities convenience.
- Haslemere – Character stock and larger family homes within reach of Haslemere station (London Waterloo line) remain popular. Buyers are comparing closely on plot size, privacy, and upgrade potential (insulation, glazing, EV charging). Accurate pricing plus strong presentation, clear photography, floorplans and well-timed Saturday viewings, continues to pay dividends.
- Liphook – Village family homes and edge-of-South-Downs property are appealing to upsizers and relocators chasing more space and access to countryside. A confident guide that benchmarks against the closest recent sold comparables (not just asking prices) is turning early-week viewings into offers.
2026 Market Predictions – What the forecasters say
Most forecasters are calling 2026 a transition year, a move from the subdued patterns of late 2025 toward a steadier, more active market with modest price growth:
- Prices: broad expectations cluster around +1% to +4% for the year, with premium brackets more sensitive to affordability.
- First-time buyers: expected to remain a key driver as choice improves and mortgage costs nudge down.
- Activity: many “wait-and-see” households from late 2025 are already re-engaging, creating a more normal pipeline of sales.
Rates, mortgages and affordability
- Bank Rate: markets still see scope for further trimming in 2026 (some projections near 3.25% mid-year), though lenders have already priced in part of the improvement.
- Mortgage products: we’re likely to see 2-year fixes occasionally dip below 3.5%, with a bulk of mainstream products hovering in the 3.75% – 4% range.
- Takeaway: affordability is modestly improving, which, in tandem with sensible pricing, is helping chains move with fewer shocks.
For sellers: five ways to win the launch window
- Price with proof – Anchor to recent sold comparables and live competition street-by-street. Factor condition, EPC/energy upgrades, garden aspect, parking and walkability to schools or station.
- Polish presentation – Declutter, refresh paintwork, tackle small repairs. Invest in professional photography and a clear, benefits-led brochure; include floorplans and EPC highlights.
- Front-load the legals – Instruct your solicitor at launch. Have ID checks, property information forms, guarantees, and (for leaseholds) management packs ready. You’ll outpace typical timelines.
- Make access easy – After-work and weekend viewings capture commuter demand from Guildford and Haslemere; flexible slots correlate with stronger offers.
- Monitor and adapt – The market is active but rational; if the first fortnight under-delivers on viewings, review guide, photography and competing stock promptly.
For buyers: opportunity with less pressure – if you’re prepared
- Get mortgage-ready – An Agreement in Principle and early solicitor instruction shorten your path to exchange.
- Compare confidently – With deeper choice, you can shortlist and revisit; just be ready to act quickly on a standout home.
- Think long-term value – Micro-location (quiet road vs through-route), school catchments, garden orientation, and energy performance all influence enjoyment and future resale.
Recently listed by Clarke Gammon
Explore a selection of our latest instructions across Guildford, Haslemere & Liphook:
House for Sale in Guildford – Guide Price £435,000
House for Sale in Grayshott – Guide Price £925,000
use for Sale in Haslemere – Guide Price £950,000
House for Sale in Liphook – Guide Price £900,000
Planning a move in 2026
If you’d like a clear, evidence-based view of value and a marketing plan tuned to today’s conditions, we’ll help you set the right strategy – street-by-street pricing, best-in-class presentation, and proactive buyer matching – so you can move forward with confidence.
Please feel free to contact any of our offices for an informal chat or to book a market appraisal. Why not try our instant online valuation tool to get started?
Steve Cook FNAEA Senior Consultant – Clarke Gammon
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