Blending purpose with profit 
In an evolving market, investors are looking beyond traditional buy-to-let options. Mixed-use properties those combining residential and commercial elements are proving increasingly attractive. As the Financial Times notes, property investment remains viable, especially for those exploring creative avenues like these adaptable spaces. 

Why the appeal is rising 
Mixed-use investments offer a balanced income stream. Residential units provide steady rental income, while commercial spaces (such as shops, cafés or offices) can deliver higher yields, especially in well-located areas. This diversity helps offset risk, making mixed-use properties a smart option in a fluctuating market. 

Flexibility in uncertain times 
Recent shifts lifestyle and working habits have redefined how commercial space is used. Smaller, community-focused businesses are thriving in suburban and high street locations, driving demand for flexible ground-floor units. For landlords, this means opportunity, especially where properties can be adapted to changing tenant needs. 

Adding value through planning and design 
Investors who take a hands-on approach can often increase the value of mixed-use properties. Refurbishments, change-of-use permissions and energy efficiency upgrades not only enhance appeal but may also unlock additional income or improve mortgage terms. It’s an area where strategic improvements can lead to long-term gains. 

What to consider before investing 
Mixed-use properties do come with additional considerations. Lenders may apply different criteria, and local planning rules need careful review. However, with the right advice, these challenges are manageable. Professional guidance, especially from solicitors and mortgage brokers familiar with this sector, is essential. 

A smart step for forward-thinking investors 
As the market adapts to new living and working patterns, mixed-use properties offer versatility, resilience and attractive returns. For investors willing to explore beyond the standard model, they represent a compelling opportunity this year. 

 
Discover smart investment opportunities near you 

Home is the new headquarters 
Remote and hybrid working are no longer temporary solutions they are permanent fixtures of professional life. As Reuters reports, commercial office demand is slowing, and the ripple effects are reaching the residential market. The result? A notable shift in how and where people want to live. 

The urban slowdown and suburban surge 
City centres, once the default location for working professionals, are seeing softer demand in some areas. While vibrant amenities still attract younger renters, many buyers are heading for the suburbs in search of space, value and a quieter pace of life. The ability to work from home means commute times no longer dictate where people live. 

What buyers are prioritising now 
Home offices, spare bedrooms and reliable broadband have become must-haves. Open-plan layouts that can be adapted for dual use are increasingly desirable. Outdoor space whether a private garden or nearby green areas continues to be a deciding factor for buyers reassessing their work–life balance. 

City living isn’t disappearing - but it is changing 
Urban properties are still in demand, especially in areas with strong transport links, leisure options and cultural attractions. However, buyers in these markets are now more selective. Flats with balconies, natural light and a sense of privacy are outperforming those without. 

Opportunities for sellers and landlords 
If you’re marketing a home with flexible living space or work-from-home potential, now is the time to highlight those features. For landlords, adapting properties to suit hybrid workers, such as adding desks, upgrading lighting or improving sound insulation can enhance appeal and reduce void periods. 

A lasting lifestyle shift 
Remote work has redefined what people need from their homes. Whether in a suburb, market town or city fringe, properties that support flexibility and comfort are leading the way. This trend is not just a moment; it is a market evolution. 

 
Make your move match your lifestyle 

As January draws to a close, the picture for the UK housing market in 2026 is becoming clearer and more confident. Forecasts suggest around 2% house price growth alongside mortgage rate stability at approximately 3.75% have already begun to influence buyer behaviour.

The result? A strong early-year uplift in activity that is setting the tone for the months ahead.

Rather than a tentative start, the market has moved forward with purpose. Buyers who delayed decisions through 2024 and parts of 2025 are re-entering with clarity, improved affordability, and a renewed willingness to commit.

Why 2026 price growth matters for sellers

While a 2% rise may appear modest on paper, its impact on sentiment is significant. After a period shaped by caution and price sensitivity, even steady growth sends a powerful signal of stability. Buyers are far less inclined to “wait it out” when prices are no longer falling, particularly when early indicators suggest competition will increase as the year progresses.

For sellers, this means momentum. Homes launched in the early part of the year are benefiting from rising confidence without yet facing the full weight of spring supply. That balance is supporting stronger enquiry levels and more constructive negotiations.

Mortgage rate stability: restoring buyer confidence

Stability has become the key word in the 2026 market. With mortgage rates holding at around 3.75%, buyers can now plan with confidence. Monthly repayments are predictable, mortgage offers are being secured earlier, and the fear of sudden affordability shifts has eased.

Insights from Rightmove and Zoopla consistently show that when rates level out, buyer demand strengthens quickly. This is particularly evident among first-time buyers and second-steppers, many of whom are now actively viewing and offering rather than monitoring from the sidelines.

A strong start sets the pace for 2026

The traditional “New Year rush” has returned but with a more measured, informed feel. Buyers entering the market now are motivated, financially prepared, and keen to secure a purchase before spring competition intensifies or further price growth is reflected in asking prices.

Industry commentary by Property Industry Eye suggests that sellers who act early often benefit from greater visibility and more focused buyer attention. As confidence continues to build into spring, competition between listings is expected to increase, making early positioning a clear advantage.

Selling your house in 2026: why timing still matters

If you are planning on selling your house in 2026, the signals emerging at the end of January are encouraging. Improved affordability is allowing buyers to stretch for the right property, while stable pricing expectations are supporting smoother transactions.

Crucially, today’s buyers are not chasing deep discounts. They are looking for certainty, quality, and value, all of which create better conditions for well-presented, realistically priced homes to achieve strong results with fewer delays.

Speak with a local property expert to plan your next move and position your home confidently for the months ahead.

What sellers should do next

A positive market alone does not guarantee success. Accurate pricing, professional presentation, and a clear launch strategy remain essential, particularly as buyer confidence returns.

Book a professional market appraisal to understand how 2026 price forecasts apply to your home and location.

As January closes, one thing is clear: 2026 has begun with stability, clarity, and renewed momentum. For sellers who act with purpose, the early part of the year is already proving to be a powerful opportunity.

Get an instant online valuation to see how early-year demand is shaping local values.

As January comes to a close, another major deadline is moving firmly into focus for landlords across the UK. From 6 April 2026, the way rental income is reported to HMRC will change permanently under Making Tax Digital (MTD), marking one of the most significant shifts in landlord taxation in decades.

For many landlords, this is not simply an administrative tweak. It represents a fundamental change in how records are kept, how often income is reported, and how compliance is monitored. With just over two months remaining, now is the critical transition window.

What is Making Tax Digital and why it matters now

Making Tax Digital is designed to modernise the UK tax system by moving landlords away from annual self-assessment returns and towards digital record-keeping with quarterly reporting. From April 2026, landlords earning above the qualifying income threshold from property will be required to submit updates to HMRC throughout the year using approved digital software.

As with previous regulatory changes, those who prepare early will experience a smoother transition. Those who leave it too late risk errors, penalties and unnecessary stress at the start of the new tax year.

Who will be affected from April 2026

The April 2026 phase of MTD will apply to landlords whose annual gross property income exceeds the threshold set by HMRC. This includes income from single rental properties as well as portfolios and applies regardless of whether you own property personally or jointly.

Crucially, this is not optional. Once within scope, landlords must:

•       Keep digital records of income and allowable expenses
  
  
•       Submit quarterly updates to HMRC
  
  
•       Complete an end-of-period statement to finalise tax

This marks a clear move away from retrospective reporting towards real-time tax oversight.

Quarterly reporting: the biggest mindset shift

For many landlords, the most challenging aspect of Making Tax Digital is the move to quarterly submissions. Instead of gathering paperwork once a year, landlords will need to maintain accurate, up-to-date records throughout the tax year.

This requires consistency, organisation and reliable systems. Missing information, delayed updates or incorrect categorisation of expenses could trigger HMRC queries far more quickly than under the current system.

For portfolio landlords, the administrative burden increases further, particularly where properties are self-managed or spread across different locations.

Why digital readiness is now essential

MTD is not just about submitting figures more often; it is about how those figures are captured. HMRC will only accept data submitted through compatible digital software, meaning spreadsheets alone may no longer be sufficient unless correctly integrated.

Industry insight from Property Industry Eye suggests that landlords who fail to adopt compliant systems early are likely to face rushed decisions and avoidable costs closer to the deadline.

The landlords best placed for April 2026 are those already using professional systems or working with agents and accountants who can manage reporting accurately on their behalf.

The growing role of professional management

As regulation increases across the rental sector, from the Renters’ Rights Act to tax reform, professional property management is becoming less of a convenience and more of a risk-management tool.

Accurate rent records, clear expense tracking, and timely reporting are no longer just good practice; they are compliance necessities. Managed landlords benefit from:

•       Structured, digital-ready record keeping
  
  
•       Consistent income and expense reporting
  
  
•       Reduced exposure to penalties and errors
  
  

This is particularly relevant for landlords balancing multiple properties, other employment, or changing legislation.

Making Tax Digital for landlords 2026: plan now, not later

As January ends, landlords should already be assessing their readiness for Making Tax Digital. Waiting until April risks rushed onboarding, unfamiliar systems, and preventable mistakes during the first reporting cycle.

The transition does not have to be disruptive but it does require planning, clarity and support.

What landlords should do next

With the April deadline approaching fast, now is the time to act. Review your rental income and record-keeping systems to ensure they meet HMRC’s digital requirements.

As the tax landscape evolves, one thing is clear: Making Tax Digital is not just a reporting change; it is a shift in how landlords operate. Those who adjust early will move into the 2026–27 tax year with confidence, control, and clarity.

Speak with a local lettings or property management expert about services that simplify compliance and reduce administrative risk.

As January comes to an end, many homeowners are reassessing their plans for the year ahead, and for sellers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where smart, value-add renovations really matter. With buyer confidence improving and price growth forecast to remain steady, attention has shifted away from heavy discounting and towards homes that offer quality, efficiency and move-in readiness.

However, not all improvements deliver the same return. In 2026, buyers are more informed, more selective and increasingly focused on long-term running costs as well as aesthetics. That means choosing the right upgrades can significantly influence both sale price and speed.

Why value-add renovations matter in 2026

Today’s buyers are balancing affordability with future-proofing. Rising awareness around energy efficiency, combined with tighter budgets, means properties that reduce running costs and minimise immediate work stand out quickly. Data and buyer insights from Rightmove and Zoopla consistently show that well-presented, upgraded homes attract more interest and achieve stronger final prices than those needing obvious improvement.

As we move beyond January, sellers who invest wisely now are positioning themselves ahead of the spring uplift in listings, when competition naturally increases.

Request an instant online valuation to understand your current position and potential uplift.

1. A modern, functional kitchen

The kitchen remains the single most influential room when it comes to buyer perception. In 2026, it is not about luxury for luxury’s sake, but clean design, good storage and practical layouts. Updated kitchens with modern cabinetry, integrated appliances and durable worktops continue to command strong attention and can add up to 15% to a property’s perceived value when done well.

Buyers want to picture themselves living in the space immediately, without planning a costly refit. Neutral finishes with a contemporary edge tend to appeal to the widest audience.

2. Energy-efficient upgrades buyers can see and feel

Energy efficiency has moved from “nice to have” to “decision-maker”. Improvements such as upgraded insulation, double or triple glazing, efficient boilers, heat pumps and solar panels are increasingly attractive to eco-conscious and cost-aware buyers alike.

In 2026, properties that demonstrate lower energy bills and improved EPC ratings often attract stronger interest and greater confidence, particularly among first-time buyers and families planning to stay long term.

3. Bathroom refreshes that signal quality

You do not need a full redesign to make an impact. Updated bathrooms with modern fittings, fresh tiling, improved lighting and high-quality finishes signal care and investment throughout the home. Buyers respond positively to spaces that feel clean, contemporary and ready to use.

Even modest upgrades can help remove objections during viewings and reduce the likelihood of price negotiations later.

4. Kerb appeal still sets the tone

First impressions remain critical. As buyer activity increases moving into spring, homes that look well maintained from the outside are far more likely to convert online interest into booked viewings. Simple improvements such as repainting the front door, tidying gardens, improving lighting or updating pathways can deliver excellent returns relative to cost.

In competitive markets, kerb appeal often determines whether a buyer clicks “book viewing” or scrolls on.

5. Creating flexible living space

The way people use their homes continues to evolve. In 2026, buyers value flexibility — whether that’s a home office, guest room or adaptable family space. Converting underused areas such as lofts, garages or spare rooms into functional spaces can significantly broaden your property’s appeal.

Even clearly defining how existing rooms can be used helps buyers visualise long-term living, which supports stronger offers.

Increase home value in 2026 by renovating with purpose

If your goal is to increase home value in 2026, the key is alignment. Improvements should reflect buyer expectations, local price ceilings and current market conditions, not personal taste alone. Over-improving can be just as risky as under-investing, which is why strategy matters.

Insights shared across the industry reinforce that targeted, practical upgrades consistently outperform cosmetic overhauls with limited buyer relevance.

What to do next

Before committing to any renovation, it’s vital to understand where value is truly added in your local market.

Book a professional market appraisal to identify which improvements will deliver the strongest return for your property.

As January closes, now is the ideal moment to plan smart improvements. With the right upgrades, 2026 can be the year your home stands out and sells for its full potential.

Speak with a local property expert to plan a renovation-led sales strategy that maximises appeal and avoids over-spending.