(Based on the latest Rightmove House Price Index (February 2026))
What the latest Rightmove House Price Index means locally to Northamptonshire.
Rightmove has released its latest House Price Index, and while national headlines say prices have “stood still” in February, the bigger story is actually very positive — especially for buyers and sellers here in Northamptonshire and the wider East Midlands.
So what’s really happening, and what does it mean if you’re thinking of moving this year?
Let’s break it down simply.
The National Picture — A Strong Start, Then a Pause
The average asking price of a newly listed UK home is now:
🏡 £368,019
📊 Virtually unchanged in February (down just £12)
📈 But still 2.8% higher since December — the strongest start to a year for prices since 2020
January saw a record jump in prices after confidence returned following last year’s Budget uncertainty. February hasn’t pushed prices higher — but importantly, those gains have held steady.
In simple terms 👉 The market hasn’t slowed down — it has just stabilised.
What’s Happening in the East Midlands?
Here’s the key local takeaway for Northamptonshire…
The regional data shows the East Midlands continues to behave like a balanced, sensible market rather than a volatile one.
According to the regional map in the report (page 6):
📍 East Midlands average price: £286,666
📊 Monthly change: +2.2%
📅 Annual change: +0.4%
This tells us something important locally:
Northamptonshire isn’t seeing dramatic swings in pricing. Instead, values are growing slowly and steadily, which is typically healthier for both buyers and sellers.
Buyers Now Have More Choice Than in Years
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
That means:
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buyers have more options
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they can compare properties more carefully
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and pricing matters more than ever.
This is exactly what many sellers across Northamptonshire are noticing — buyers are active, but they are selective.
Mortgage Rates — Quietly Improving
Perhaps the most important change isn’t house prices at all.
The average two-year fixed mortgage rate is now:
💷 4.28%, down from 4.96% a year ago
Rightmove estimates this is saving many buyers around £100 per month compared with last year.
At the same time:
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average earnings have risen 4.7% year-on-year
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wage growth has comfortably outpaced house price growth
This combination is improving affordability — one of the main reasons Rightmove says 2026 is shaping up to be a good year to buy.
What This Means for Sellers in Northamptonshire
The message for sellers is clear — and actually quite encouraging.
✅ Buyer confidence is back
✅ Prices are stable rather than falling
✅ Spring activity is building
But there is also more competition.
With more homes available, buyers can afford to wait for the right property at the right price. That means:
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realistic pricing from day one is crucial
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presentation and marketing matter more than ever
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overpricing risks losing early momentum
Rightmove notes that sellers are becoming more realistic as competition remains high — which is helping transactions happen.
What This Means for Buyers in Northamptonshire
For buyers, conditions are arguably the best we’ve seen for a while.
You now have:
✔️ More homes to choose from
✔️ Lower mortgage rates than last year
✔️ Wages rising faster than property prices
✔️ Stable pricing rather than rapid increases
Rightmove even suggests February could be a useful window before the busy spring market, when prices traditionally start to edge up again.
Quick Summary (Northamptonshire Version)
Here’s the local takeaway:
📌 Prices nationally are steady after January’s surge
📌 East Midlands prices are rising slowly and sustainably
📌 Mortgage rates are improving
📌 Buyers have strong negotiating power
📌 Sellers who price correctly are still achieving sales
This isn’t a boom market — but it’s a healthy, balanced moving market, which is often the best environment for successful moves.
Thinking of Moving in 2026?
If you’re selling in Northamptonshire, the focus this year is strategy rather than timing.
If you’re buying, improving affordability and increased choice mean there may be real opportunity before the spring rush gathers pace.
And as always, what matters most isn’t the national headline — it’s how the local market behaves.
You can view the Rightmove House Price Index Here: CLICK HERE or view the PDF Report here: CLICK HERE
