Property investors shouldn’t wait for perfect conditions, but should act now, remembering that property is a long-term asset. That’s according to experts reacting to the ONS news of a 1.2% rise in average UK house prices to £268,000 for the 12 months to February 2026, up from 1% in the 12 months to January 2026.
Meanwhile, UK monthly rental figures increased by 3.4% to £1,377 in the 12 months to March 2026, down from 3.6% for the 12 months to February 2026.
There is some nervousness that the figures don’t yet show a full picture of the impact of the Middle East conflict, but Sam Smith, director of investments and partnerships, at Property Hub Invest, said that shouldn’t put investors off.
“Clearly, the positive signs that we had seen creeping into February’s housing data have been impacted by the war in Iran. However, property is a long-term asset, and short-term noise, whether that’s a rate move or a scaremongering front page, the fundamentals rarely change.
“What we’re actually seeing from residential investors right now is measured confidence. The people who’ve done the work, run the numbers, and built a strategy aren’t sitting on the sidelines waiting for perfect conditions. They know perfect conditions don’t exist.”
Opportunity exists
Smith continued: “What does exist is opportunity, particularly for those with a clear head when others are hesitating. This is why the housing market, so far, has remained resilient, despite mortgage rates rising and estate agent enquiries dipping slightly.”
He said the figures showed that first-time buyers accounted for 34% of sales in March, the highest proportion since 2006. “If anything, that tells you the appetite to get into the market remains strong, even in a tougher rate environment.”
Jonathan Hopper, CEO of Garrington Property Finders, said transaction levels are: “more meandering than free-flowing. A combination of caution and the knowledge that they have time and choice on their side means most buyers won’t hesitate to walk away if both head and heart don’t feel a home is right.
“That said, deals are being done by those who need to move rather than just want to move, and by those who calculate that lower purchase prices more than offset higher borrowing costs.
A long-term approach
And he agreed that most investors are thinking longer-term. “The volatile global backdrop is unsettling but increasing numbers of buyers are realising that they will own their next home for much longer than the current volatility lasts – and that, for the well-informed, market threats can create market opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Smith said that the residential investors he worked with are focused on rental demand, long-term capital growth and building portfolios that work over decades and not months.
“That’s the mindset that builds wealth through property. And it’s as relevant today as it’s ever been,” he said.
