Day One of 2026: A Strong Start for the Southwest London Property Market
Property people are often compared to fishermen, occasionally prone to exaggeration.
But now and then, you feel something shift, and we believe this week has been one of those moments.
The first working days of 2026 have delivered one of the most encouraging starts to a year I’ve seen for some time, particularly across Clapham and Battersea. Having worked in the area for 36 years, I find this a very encouraging start.
This hasn’t been noise or optimism for optimism’s sake. It has been real activity, full diaries, and properly engaged buyers.
Clapham SW4 & Battersea SW11: Stock Levels Rising, Confidence Returning
Across SW4 and SW11, we are seeing a noticeable increase in available stock, particularly family houses and larger flats around Clapham Common, Clapham Old Town, Northcote Road, and the Battersea residential streets, which consistently outperform the wider London averages.
Over the next two months alone, we will be launching more than £36 million of residential property, ranging from period houses to high-quality lateral apartments. This includes a standout luxury warehouse-style development of 18 units just off Old Street, EC1Y, which underscores that confidence is not limited to one postcode. Prices start at £700,000 for a share of freehold, which is rare for city properties.
What’s important is not just the volume of stock but the quality of decision-making behind it. Vendors are no longer paralysed by uncertainty. They are pricing realistically, instructing decisively, and moving forward.
Buyers Are Back — And They’re Serious
The most significant change we’re seeing in Clapham and Battersea is buyer intent.
These are not speculative viewings. Buyers are:
- Mortgage-approved
- Chain-aware
- Willing to act when the right property comes along
There is strong demand for:
- Family houses close to Clapham Common
- Well-presented flats with outdoor space
- Development opportunities
After several years of stop-start sentiment driven by interest rates, inflation headlines and political noise, there’s a growing acceptance that waiting indefinitely isn’t a strategy.
The Market Isn’t Being Fixed From the Top Down
One thing feels very clear on the ground:
The property market will not be “rescued” by government intervention.
Growth is driven by individuals, families and Bank of Mum and Dad choosing to move forward with their lives. People are setting goals, adapting to the conditions in front of them, and cracking on.
From our perspective, the fundamentals support this confidence:
- We expect a further base rate reduction on January 26, followed by 2-3 more by the end of Q4 2026.
- Mortgage products continue to improve
- Supply remains constrained in the best streets and locations
- Demand builds quietly before prices follow
Historically, price growth tends to re-emerge in Q3 and Q4 once confidence has bedded in. All the early signs suggest 2026 is shaping up similarly.
Expanding to the Coast: Eastbourne & the Sussex Villages
Alongside our Southwest London activity, we have begun operating in Eastbourne and the surrounding villages, including Alfriston and Litlington.
This isn’t a coincidence.
We are increasingly working with London buyers who want:
- More space
- Better value
- A lifestyle decision but without losing connectivity
At the same time, we are helping those same clients sell their London homes in Clapham and Battersea, managing both sides of the move with a single, joined-up strategy.
The London-to-coast flow is real and constant. As someone born and bred in Eastbourne, what matters is having an experienced agent who genuinely understands both markets, not just one.
Looking Ahead
If the opening days of 2026 are anything to go by, the mood across SW4, SW11, Clapham and Battersea is changing — quietly, but meaningfully.
Confidence doesn’t arrive with headlines.
It shows up in full diaries, decisions being made, and buyers committing.
Please call me on 07788677970 if you would like to discuss selling your property in London or East Sussex.
Best wishes for 2026
Nick Goble