Placing your home on the market in December can set you up for a stronger, faster sale in early 2026. With fewer competing listings and highly motivated buyers still searching, December offers a rare opportunity to stand out, attract serious interest, and get ahead of the busy new-year property rush.

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.

Being a landlord in 2025 comes with fresh challenges, from shifting regulations to changing tenant expectations. Whether you’re experienced or new to lettings, this checklist will help you stay compliant, competitive, and confident in the year ahead.