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Clarke Gammon – Estate Agents in Guildford, Haslemere & Liphook
If you’re considering buying a home in Guildford, Haslemere or Liphook in 2026, you’re asking at just the right time. Across the UK and especially in the South East, the property market is showing the kind of stability and upward momentum that makes this year a positive one for buyers – whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder for the first time or upgrading to your next home.
Local Market Context: Prices and Trends
In the Guildford area, data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) shows average house prices have been relatively stable through late 2024 and 2025, with typical prices around £540,000 – £560,000 for mortgage-assisted purchases. First-time buyers tended to pay around £399,000 – £400,000 in 2025, a modest increase year-on-year, but indicative of a resilient market where pricing has steadied rather than spiked.
Across nearby Surrey and Hampshire, including Haslemere and Liphook, we’ve seen strong buyer interest, especially for homes that are priced realistically from the outset. The number of available properties has increased compared to recent years, giving buyers improved choice.
What this means: Unlike in overheated markets, 2026 isn’t a year of bidding wars. You’re more likely to find a property that meets your needs without having to over-bid, particularly if you enter the market with confidence and a clear budget.
National Picture: Stability
National forecasts point to a modest rise in UK house prices in 2026, with many economists expecting increases in the 2 – 4% range. This isn’t runaway growth, but it is growth, and it brings two key benefits:
- Your property’s value is likely to appreciate gradually, helping build long-term equity.
- It incentivises sellers to remain active, supporting market fluidity and choice.
A balanced market like this tends to favour well-prepared buyers, those who know what they want and have their finances in order.
Mortgage Rates: Better Conditions for Buyers
One of the biggest stories in 2026 is the improving mortgage landscape:
- Mortgage interest rates have eased from the higher levels of the last couple of years, with the Bank of England base rate at around 3.75% and markets expecting further gradual reductions.
- There’s an unusually wide range of low-deposit deals, with many lenders offering 90 – 95% loans and some even up to 98 – 100% in special cases, a breadth not seen since before the financial crisis.
For first-time buyers, this widening of deals can make home ownership far more attainable, particularly if you’re feeling priced out or tied to renting. For second steppers, it means refinancing or buying your next home is more predictable and potentially cheaper than in previous years.
Affordability has noticeably improved: the ratio of house prices to earnings for first-time buyers has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade, a clear positive indicator that now really could be a good time to act.
Trends Among Buyers: What’s Driving Demand?
First-time buyers:
- Renewed confidence due to accessible mortgage products.
- Improved affordability metrics and wage growth easing the cost-to-income pressures.
- A lot of pent-up demand from buyers who paused their plans during earlier market uncertainty.
Second steppers and families:
- Continued interest in larger homes with more space, gardens, and access to good schools, all strong selling points in Guildford, Haslemere and Liphook.
- More negotiating power in a market where choice has expanded.
Industry commentary suggests that many buyers are still cautious, which works to your favour as a strategic buyer, enabling you to make calm, considered decisions rather than rushed ones.
Local Appeal: Guildford, Haslemere & Liphook
These towns aren’t just desirable for their locations, they’re appeal drivers in their own right:
- Guildford: excellent transport links to London, strong schools, and a vibrant town centre make it consistently popular.
- Haslemere: a picturesque market town beloved for its countryside access, community feel and family-friendly neighbourhoods.
- Liphook: attractive for buyers wanting a quieter, more affordable alternative with strong commuter links and local amenities.
With demand steady and ample stock coming to market, 2026 is shaping up as a year where buyers have choice and leverage, two powerful advantages.
Our Verdict
✔ Yes – 2026 is a good year to buy in Guildford, Haslemere and Liphook.
✔ Mortgage conditions are competitive and improving.
✔ A more balanced market gives buyers strategic advantages.
✔ Price growth is expected to be modest but sustainable.
✔ Local demand remains healthy without unnecessary volatility.
Whether you’re stepping onto the ladder or moving up to your ideal next home, the conditions in 2026 favour thoughtful, well-prepared buyers — and present a real opportunity to secure a home that suits both lifestyle and financial goals.
Top Tip: Get mortgage pre-approval and market advice early in the year, it helps you act confidently if the perfect home appears.
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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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