Our London Buying advisor, Rhianne McIlroy, was invited to contribute to PrimeResi’s annual market preview, sharing her outlook for the prime property market in the year ahead.
After a year defined by hesitation—with many buyers waiting for clarity around the Autumn Budget—confidence is returning. This is particularly evident at the higher end of the market.
“My feeling is that higher-value homes in South West London will perform better in early 2026,” says Rhianne. “We have seen an increase in clients across South West London with budgets in excess of £5,000,000, most of whom were holding off on making a move due to concerns over the Budget.”
With that uncertainty now behind us, we expect pent-up demand to be released in the coming months.
Beyond the domestic market, we are seeing a notable increase in buyers choosing to make the UK home—both from overseas and from Brits who have been living abroad.
“I believe we will continue to see an increase in overseas buyers making the UK home, as well as Brits who have been living abroad returning to settle back down here in later life,” says Rhianne. “Presently, we have several clients returning to the UK from the Far and Middle East, all seeking homes in Chelsea and Belgravia. People are drawn back because of the lifestyle, cultural activities and schooling.”
London’s enduring appeal—its culture, its schools, its way of life—continues to draw buyers from around the world.
The consensus across the industry is that 2026 will be a year of stabilisation rather than dramatic price movement. For well-prepared buyers, this presents an opportunity: room to negotiate, more realistic pricing, and a market that rewards those who are clear about what they want.
Read the full PrimeResi article here.
