January has ushered in a more confident tone across the West London property market, marking one of the strongest starts to a new year since early 2024. After a cautious end to 2025, buyer activity has returned, mortgage costs have stabilised, and market confidence has visibly improved. While the pace remains measured, the fundamentals underpinning West London property are once again asserting themselves.

National data confirms that January 2026 delivered month-on-month house price growth, reversing the expected seasonal slowdown of December. Improved affordability, driven by lower mortgage rates and steady earnings growth has been enough to bring many postponed moves back onto the agenda. This has been particularly noticeable among owner-occupiers and families, rather than short-term investors, creating a healthier and more sustainable market dynamic.

Across West London, this renewed momentum is translating directly into increased activity. Landstones have seen much higher enquiries levels and a rise in sales agreed compared with the same period last year, particularly in established neighbourhoods such as Chiswick, Notting Hill, Kensington and Mayfair. These areas continue to benefit from strong transport links, lifestyle appeal and a depth of housing stock that attracts both local movers and buyers relocating from other parts of London.

Buyers, however, remain selective. The current West London housing market is defined less by urgency and more by confidence. Well-priced, well-presented homes are attracting competitive interest and achieving sales within realistic timeframes, while properties that fail to align with market expectations are taking longer to secure offers. This pricing discipline reflects a more mature phase of the market, one where informed decision-making is rewarded on both sides of the transaction.

A notable characteristic of early 2026 has been the level of stock available across London, including West London. Buyers have more choice than they have seen for several years, easing pressure and encouraging negotiation. Rather than dampening prices, this increase in supply has helped establish transparency and realism, reinforcing the importance of accurate valuation. In practice, the market is clearly distinguishing between homes that meet demand and those that do not.

For sellers, this environment favours preparation and strategy. For buyers, it offers opportunity without the volatility that characterised earlier cycles. The result is a market that feels balanced, resilient and increasingly confident as the year progresses.

Looking ahead, the outlook for the West London property market through the remainder of 2026 is cautiously optimistic. London is expected to once again outpace national trends, with West London well positioned due to its enduring appeal and diverse housing stock.

Rental market pressures have also begun to ease, prompting some renters to consider purchasing, particularly where mortgage costs have become more competitive relative to rent. This shift is reinforcing owner-occupier demand and further supporting transaction volumes in established neighbourhoods.

For West London, the combination of demand, supply and pricing realism has created a market environment well suited to informed buyers and sellers alike. As 2026 unfolds, West London’s core strengths continue to underpin its position as one of London’s most dependable residential markets.