As we move through the second quarter of 2026, the data shows a market that is offering a level of stability and opportunity that makes waiting much less appealing.

Our regions, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands, are currently outperforming the South of England, proving that local resilience is often more important than national headlines. Here is the reality of the market right now.

1. Stability at the Source

The Bank of England has announced its decision to hold the base rate steady at 3.75%. While in previous years a hold might have sparked a "wait and see" approach, we have seen the mood across Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands has shifted. For buyers, this stability is a green light. We are seeing confidence as the market settles into what many are calling the "New Normal."

2. Shropshire, Staffordshire & West Midlands are Leading the Way

While the South of England has seen more volatile price corrections, our local markets in Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands remain robust. Our regions are currently the "sweet spot" for UK property: affordable enough to offer great value, but stable enough to protect your investment. 

Month-on-month and year-on-year growth across our branches remains positive, proving that local resilience is stronger than national headlines.

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3. Improved Borrowing Power

A common concern for buyers is "how much can I actually get?" The good news is that borrowing capacity has improved. Average earnings are up by 3.9% annually, but the real shift has come from the lenders themselves.

Last year’s review of the Loan-to-Income (LTI) cap and the FCA’s guidance on stress testing flexibility allows lenders to be more pragmatic in their affordability assessments. They are looking at your real-world ability to pay, meaning many movers are finding they can borrow more than they could twelve months ago.

4. Buying vs. Renting: The Financial Gap

For many, the biggest motivation to move right now isn't just about finding a new home, it's about monthly outgoings. Based on current Bank of England data for 90% LTV mortgages and average rental costs for typical first-time buyer homes, while buying involves upfront costs like a deposit, the average monthly mortgage payment is now lower than the equivalent monthly rent.

5. Healthy Stock and Demand

Market activity is staying consistent. Rightmove reports that the number of sales agreed so far this year is just 3% behind the same period in 2025. Demand is particularly resilient among first-time buyers, which keeps the whole "property chain" moving.

As of 07th May 2026, we have 411 available properties for sale across our key branches in Telford, Wellington, Stafford, Cannock, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton. This healthy level of stock gives you a genuine choice and indicates a "normalised" market where you can find the right home at the right price. There is enough stock to give you choice, but enough demand to ensure that the market remains active and healthy.

Ready to find your next home?

Whether you are looking in Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, or Stafford, 2026 is a year of opportunity. With earnings up, borrowing capacity increased and regional prices outperforming the South, the conditions are right to move.