Bassetlaw Monthly Market Update — January 2026
As 2026 gets into full swing, we are seeing people re-entering the market and viewings being booked.
January always brings that “fresh start” feeling, and this year it’s landed with a bit more confidence than we saw through late autumn. After months of buyers sitting on their hands waiting for clarity, we’re seeing the early signs of the usual post-Christmas bounce returning, with more people re-entering the market and booking viewings again.
📊 Nicholson’s January Highlights
Here’s what we saw inside Nicholson’s this month:
[XX] new listings launched
[XX] sales agreed
[XX] new buyers registered interest
🔍 The Wider Picture: Bassetlaw
While completed-price data always lags behind the “right now” market, the latest official figures still show Bassetlaw holding up well:
- The average house price in Bassetlaw was £209,000 (October 2025 provisional), up 5.8% year-on-year.
- Average private rents in Bassetlaw were £712 (November 2025), up 9.1% year-on-year.
Regionally, Rightmove’s latest index shows the East Midlands average asking price at £282,269, with an average 75 days to find a buyer — a good reminder that pricing and presentation still matter massively.
💷 Rates & Affordability: A Tailwind for 2026?
One of the biggest shifts heading into 2026 is the direction of interest rates. The Bank of England cut Bank Rate to 3.75% in December 2025, and that’s starting to feed through into improved mortgage pricing and buyer confidence.
What we’re seeing locally: buyers are still value-driven, but the “serious movers” are back — especially for well-presented homes that feel move-in ready.
🧾 From “Stamp Duty Rumours” to What Actually Changed
Back in the autumn, stamp duty reform was the headline grabber. Since then, the big confirmed policy talking point isn’t an SDLT replacement — it’s the introduction of a High Value Council Tax Surcharge (often dubbed a “mansion tax”) on homes valued over £2 million in England from April 2028, charged annually and in addition to existing Council Tax.
For most of Bassetlaw, it won’t be directly relevant, but it does matter for the wider market mood and confidence, particularly at the top end nationally.
For landlords, the other key “one to watch” from the 2025 Budget is the creation of separate tax rates for property income from April 2027 (22% / 42% / 47%). - Houses of Common library
⚖️ Negotiation & Value: What’s Working Right Now
January tends to separate the “testing the market” sellers from the serious movers. What’s getting strong activity:
- Homes that are priced right from day one
- Strong first impressions (photos, layout, kerb appeal)
- Clear “who it’s for” messaging (family buyer / downsizer / commuter etc.)
What’s stalling:
- Over-ambitious pricing
- Tired presentation (especially kitchens/bathrooms) without a price reflection
- Poor launch strategy (missing the first 7–14 day window when interest is highest)
📈 The Takeaway
January 2026 has started with a familiar pattern: more motivation, more viewings, and a healthier level of enquiry, helped along by improved sentiment post-Budget and a lower Bank Rate.
The opportunity for sellers is clear: launch well, price accurately, and you’ll stand out fast, especially while buyer choice is still relatively balanced.
🏡 Thinking of Selling in Bassetlaw?
If you’re considering a move this year, now is a great time to get a proper plan in place — from pricing and presentation through to your route to completion.
📞 Contact Nicholson’s Estate Agents for a free, no-obligation valuation and straightforward advice on what your home could achieve in today’s market.
