Midlands Property Market Update – March 2026
What the latest Rightmove House Price Index means for sellers across Northamptonshire & Warwickshire.
Rightmove has released its latest House Price Index, and the key message this month is that the market is proving steady rather than spectacular
Prices have risen in March, as we would normally expect at the start of the spring market, but buyers still have plenty of choice — and that is keeping a lid on stronger price growth.
For homeowners across Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, this is actually a healthy position. The market is active, but more competitive, and success now comes down to getting the basics right.
Here is the simple breakdown.
The National Picture — A Seasonal Lift, Not a Surge
The average asking price of a newly listed UK home is now:
🏡 £371,042
📈 +0.8% in March
📅 -0.2% year-on-year
Rightmove describes this as a typical seasonal increase rather than a strong surge. After January’s record jump and February’s pause, the market has settled into a more balanced spring pattern.
The key driver behind this is supply.
There are more homes for sale than we’ve seen for this time of year in over a decade, which is giving buyers more choice and preventing prices from rising too quickly.
In simple terms:
👉 The market is moving — but it’s more measured.
How the Midlands Is Performing
The Midlands continues to be one of the most stable parts of the UK market.
📍 East Midlands (Northamptonshire)
Average price: £290,218
📈 +1.2% monthly | 📅 +1.3% annually
📍 West Midlands (Warwickshire)
Average price: ~£294,000
📈 +0.5% monthly | 📅 ~+1.1% annually
This tells us something important:
prices are still rising locally
growth is steady rather than dramatic
and both regions are outperforming the national annual trend (which is slightly down)
This reflects what we’re seeing day-to-day across Daventry, Rugby, Northampton, Towcester and surrounding villages — buyers are active, but sensible.
Buyers Have More Choice Than in Over a Decade
One of the biggest themes in this report is supply.
Rightmove says the number of homes for sale is at an 11-year high for this time of year.
For sellers, this changes the market dynamic:
buyers are comparing more properties
they are less likely to rush decisions
and pricing needs to be competitive from the outset
The screenshot data also shows stock levels per agent remain elevated, reinforcing that buyers have plenty of options.
This doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling — it just means buyers expect value.
Market Activity Is Holding Up
Despite wider uncertainty, activity levels remain solid.
Rightmove reports:
📊 Sales agreed are just 2% behind last year
📊 Still 5% ahead of 2024 levels
📊 New listings are 7% higher than 2024
That’s an important point.
Even in a more competitive market, people are still moving, and transactions are continuing at a healthy level.
How Long Is It Taking to Sell?
Timing is a key indicator of current conditions.
⏳ Average time to secure a buyer nationally: around 70–80 days
⏳ East Midlands: ~79 days
⏳ West Midlands: ~71 days
Rightmove notes this is one of the slowest spring markets for time-to-sell in over a decade — largely due to increased competition.
That means:
✅ the right homes still attract strong interest
❗ but overpriced homes are being overlooked
❗ and buyers are taking more time before committing
Mortgage Rates — Still Better Than Last Year
Mortgage affordability continues to support the market.
💷 Average 2-year fixed rate: ~4.5%
📉 Still lower than this time last year
Rightmove also highlights that:
monthly mortgage costs are still lower than a year ago
wage growth has been outpacing house price growth
affordability has improved overall
There has been some short-term movement in rates recently, but the overall position remains stronger than 2025.
What This Means for Sellers Across Northamptonshire & Warwickshire
This market rewards strategy.
1. Price correctly from day one
With more competition, “testing the market” at a higher price is much riskier than it used to be.
2. Expect buyers to compare
Your home is being judged against more alternatives than in recent years.
3. Focus on presentation and launch
Early interest is key in a market where buyers have options.
4. Understand the market is steady, not weak
Prices are still rising locally and activity levels remain strong — this is simply a more disciplined environment.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers across Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, conditions are positive.
1. More choice
Stock levels are high, giving buyers more flexibility.
2. Better affordability than last year
Mortgage rates and wage growth have improved the overall position.
3. Less pressure — but still competition for the best homes
Well-presented, well-priced homes are still attracting strong interest early.
The Midlands Market — In Simple Terms
📌 UK asking prices rose 0.8% in March
📌 Northamptonshire & Warwickshire markets showing steady annual growth (~1%+)
📌 Stock levels are at an 11-year high
📌 Sales activity remains strong vs 2024
📌 Homes are taking longer to sell due to increased competition
📌 Mortgage affordability is still better than last year
A Final Thought for Midlands Sellers
If you’re thinking about moving in 2026, this isn’t a market about waiting for prices to jump — it’s about positioning your home correctly in a competitive environment.
Northamptonshire and Warwickshire continue to offer something many regions don’t right now:
👉 Stability, confidence, and opportunity — without the volatility.
And that’s exactly the kind of market where well-prepared sellers achieve the best results.