The latest 0.25% interest rate cut may look modest on paper, saving the average variable mortgage holder around £31 a month, but its real influence runs deeper. Property markets are powered by confidence, and with mortgage rates easing and lenders competing again, sentiment is shifting. That change in mood is starting to matter.

Private renting has grown across every UK region over the last 40 years, but the scale and pace are often misunderstood. This graphic shows how uneven that growth has been, shaped largely by the decline in social housing. Understanding this shift helps explain today’s housing balance and the choices ahead.

Property Viewings begin at this Property's Launch Event on Saturday 3rd January 2026. A character-filled detached clay lump period bungalow offering a superb project for imaginative buyers. With generous rooms, distinctive features and plenty of potential, this is a great opportunity!

Want first access to the best homes in 2026? Discover how our tech-led Heads Up Property Alerts help you see properties before they reach Rightmove—so you never miss out on your dream home again.