06 Jan 2026

Outlook for the 2026 property market

Outlook for the 2026 property market

Jon Burcombe COO, shares his reflections and outlook on the property marketing in the region:

As we close out 2025, it’s fair to say the housing market has been steady but challenging over the past 12 months. Across the board, developers are seeing longer sales cycles and rising costs which squeeze margins. But for me, these aren’t reasons to stand still, they’re reminders of why independent housebuilders like Redcliffe Homes play such an important role within the industry; alongside larger developers, SMEs provide that balance by unlocking smaller, complex sites, sustaining local supply chains, and driving innovation in design and construction.

Reflecting on 2025
This year, Redcliffe Homes has delivered 115, high quality homes, in welcoming communities across South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. That’s a result I’m proud of. It’s taken perseverance and careful planning, but that’s what we do best.

We have finally seen the market become stable, which is helping to reassure buyers. Mortgage rates have held steady, and affordability criteria has relaxed slightly.

Looking forward
I don’t see dramatic changes ahead: planning reform is still the biggest blocker, and it won’t be fixed overnight. It’s politically driven and slow. But there are positives looking to the year ahead.

The South West continues to be one of the most sought-after regions in the UK for homebuyers, and it’s easy to see why.

Commuter towns such as Devizes and Chippenham are increasingly popular with families and couples who want the best of both worlds. These towns provide excellent transport links to London and Bristol, making them ideal for professionals who need to commute while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. At the same time, they offer strong local amenities, good schools, and easy access to the countryside, perfect for those who value space and community without sacrificing convenience.

Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges in the housing market. In the South West, the median property price is 8.4 times the median annual earnings. For many families, that gap makes home ownership feel out of reach, and that’s something we’re determined to change.

 Why SMEs are crucial
One thing I feel strongly about is the role of SMEs in housing delivery. There are fewer of us than ever. The big developers aren’t interested in smaller sites, but those sites are essential. Our focus on 50–100 home developments allows us to be agile and responsive, and to prioritise quality and community over volume.

For us, it’s never just about building homes. We want to create places people are proud to live in. That means engaging with local communities, minimising disruption, and supporting local causes. We’ve donated to charities and invested in community projects because we believe in leaving a positive legacy. Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people ever make, we want them to feel part of something lasting.

Our vision for the future
At Redcliffe, our goal is sustainable growth. We’d like to move from £40 million to £60 million turnover by 2030, but it has to be manageable. Quality comes first. We’re focused on thoughtful land acquisition, strong relationships with lenders and solicitors, and delivering homes that meet the needs of modern buyers.

If I could improve one thing in the industry for buyers, I’d like to see the introduction of a new equity scheme for first-time buyers. Help to Buy kept the market moving for 20 years, and something similar would make a real difference.

2026 will be a pivotal year for the industry, it won’t bring overnight transformation, but it will bring opportunities for those willing to work hard and adapt. For SMEs like Redcliffe Homes, that’s where we thrive. It’s a steady market, and success comes down to perseverance and planning. That’s exactly what we intend to do.

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