Falling mortgage rates are bringing welcome relief to first-time buyers. Monthly repayments on the average UK first-time buyer mortgage are now around £355 less than three years ago — easing financial pressure and making homeownership feel more achievable for many ready to take their first step onto the property ladder.

A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

If you’re planning to sell in early 2026, now is the time to understand the timeline, the preparation and the steps that will help you move smoothly from listing to completion.

In Attleborough, the flow of daily life often sparks a quiet moment of reflection about whether a home still suits the way things are evolving. As routines shift and priorities grow, a gentle urge to seek a better fit begins to emerge, revealing how closely our lives and our homes remain connected.