5 Things Cheadle Homeowners Should Do Now to Prepare for a 2026 Sale

Rachel Reeves has now delivered her second Budget as Chancellor, and while national headlines focus on big changes like the new mansion tax on properties over £2 million from 2028, and a 2% rise in the basic rate of income tax for Landlords from 2027, the reality is that here in Cheadle, this won’t touch the vast majority of local homeowners.

But the Budget should now help local sellers and buyers focus on their future plans and signal a shift in confidence in the property market by:

• continued support for housebuilding and planning reform

• no increase to stamp duty

• stability in mortgage markets

• a clear focus on boosting housing supply into 2026 and beyond.

For anyone planning to sell in early 2026, now is the moment to get ahead of the curve — and here are the five things you should be doing now.

✅ 1. Book a Strategic Valuation Before Competition Rises

With no stamp duty changes and market confidence improving, more sellers are expected to come forward after Christmas.

Getting ahead means:

• launching before the usual end of Q1 rush

• pricing based on current data and forward market sentiment

• preventing your home sitting unsold

A valuation now isn’t about guessing a price — it’s about planning, timing, strategy, and presentation.

✅ 2. Focus on Smart Improvements Buyers Actually Care About

Reeves reaffirmed the government’s commitment to energy efficiency targets, and buyers are already prioritising:

• EPC ratings

• modern heating systems

• insulation and glazing

• low maintenance homes

Quick wins for Cheadle sellers:

• fresh paint in neutral tones

• replacing tired carpets

• modern lighting

• garden and kerb appeal

• up-to-date boiler servicing and certificates

We’ll advise on what adds value on your specific street and of couse, what won’t!

✅ 3. Get Your Legal Paperwork Ready Now

Nothing in the Budget changes the conveyancing process — which remains slow.

Avoid delays by preparing:

• title documents

• planning permissions & building regs

• warranties and guarantees

• leasehold packs (if applicable)

Front loading legal work can remove weeks from your timeline and help reduce fall-throughs.

✅ 4. Prepare Your Marketing Assets Before January

More homes traditionally enter the market after Christmas — and competition will increase.

By getting ahead now, you can:

• secure motivated early season buyers

• benefit from reduced competition

• launch with premium presentation

At Maurice Kilbride, we use professional photography, floorplans, drones where appropriate, and targeted digital and state of the art AI marketing — not just a Rightmove listing and relying on a wing and prayer.

✅ 5. Get Clarity on Your Moving Plan

Even with a stable Budget, moving remains stressful when unplanned.

Consider:

• your onward move timing

• mortgage advice

• school applications

• downsizing vs upsizing

• rental options if needed

The best prepared sellers are the ones who usually enjoy the smoothest and least stressful sales.

✅ Final Thought

The Budget didn’t bring sweeping changes for everyday homeowners and that is both disappointing and good news at the same time. Stability creates confidence, and confidence creates movement.

If you’re thinking of selling in early 2026, the smart move is to start planning NOW

For tailored advice and a bespoke marketing strategy

📞 Call Maurice Kilbride - 0161 428 3663
📩 Book a confidential valuation - sales@mkiea.co.uk
🏡 Or book online Book your Free Marketing Strategy Meeting