Buying in 2026? How Prepared Cheadle Buyers Get Ahead

If you’re planning a move this year, you may be wondering whether now is the right time to buy or whether it’s better to wait.

The short answer? For buyers who are well prepared, 2026 presents genuine opportunity.

However, as we move through the next 6–8 weeks towards spring, buyer activity will naturally increase. With that comes more competition — and sellers becoming more selective about who they engage with. This means the advantage will increasingly favour buyers who are organised, credible and ready to move.

Here’s why now makes sense and how to put yourself in the strongest possible position.

Why 2026 is shaping up to be a buyer’s market

Over recent months, the balance of power has quietly shifted. Across much of the local market, buyers are benefiting from:

• More choice than we’ve seen for some time

• Less urgency from competing buyers

• Greater willingness from some sellers to negotiate realistically

• Time to compare options and make informed decisions

As we head further into the year and towards spring, more homes are likely to come to market. Increased choice can create opportunity — but it also means sellers will naturally gravitate towards buyers who appear certain and prepared, rather than speculative.

In short, it’s a good time to buy — but preparation matters more than ever.

What sellers (and agents) look for in a serious buyer

When a seller considers an offer, price is only part of the equation.

They’re also weighing up:

• Degree of certainty

• Ease of progression

• How likely the sale is to move forward smoothly

From an agent’s perspective, buyers who have clearly prepared before viewing tend to stand out immediately.

Be flexible with viewings — it really does make a difference

One often overlooked way buyers can strengthen their position is by being as flexible as possible with viewing times.

Sellers respond well to buyers who make the process straightforward, whether that’s accommodating weekday appointments, early evenings, or short-notice viewings where possible. From an agent’s perspective, flexibility signals genuine intent and helps keep momentum moving.

Being overly restrictive can unintentionally slow things down, particularly when sellers are balancing work, family life and onward plans. Flexibility doesn’t mean inconvenience, it simply shows respect for the process and helps everything progress more smoothly.

Step 1: Get a Mortgage in Principle early

A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) is no longer a “nice to have”. It's essential!

It shows:

• You’ve spoken to a lender

• Your affordability has been sense-checked

• Your offer is based on reality, not guesswork

From a seller’s point of view, an offer supported by a MIP feels more credible. From an agent’s point of view, it shows you’re ready to proceed.

Step 2: Have proof of deposit ready

Agents are now expected to confirm a buyer’s position before progressing an offer. Having clear proof of deposit readily available:

• Speeds things up

• Reduces uncertainty

• Makes your offer easier for a seller to accept

It’s a simple step that makes a disproportionate difference.

Step 3: Be prepared for ID and AML checks

Identity and anti-money laundering (AML) checks are now a standard part of the buying process.

Buyers who prepare for this early avoid unnecessary delays later, particularly if multiple offers are being considered and sellers are looking for reassurance that everything will progress smoothly.

Step 4: Appoint a solicitor or conveyancer early

This is one of the most overlooked and most important — steps.

Having a solicitor in place before you make an offer:

• Signals commitment

• Reduces delays once an offer is agreed

• Gives sellers confidence you’re serious

In some cases, this alone can help your offer stand out.

Step 5: Be clear on what you want — and what you can afford

Prepared buyers are usually clear on:

• Location

• Property type

• Non-negotiables vs nice to haves

• Budget — and where the ceiling really is. Never over commit financially. 

Taking time to scope out areas, understand values, and see what different price points actually buy will help you view more confidently and avoid over-committing emotionally or financially.

Step 6: Register properly with local agents

One final tip that often gets overlooked. Buyers who:

• Visit local agents

• Introduce themselves

• Explain what they’re looking for

• Demonstrate readiness

are far more likely to hear about suitable homes early — sometimes before they’re widely advertised. Buying a home is still a people-led process. Being visible matters.

A final thought for buyers planning a move in 2026

2026 offers real opportunity — but it will reward prepared buyers, not reactive ones.

If you take the time now to organise your finances, clarify your brief and approach the process thoughtfully, you’ll put yourself in a far stronger position when the right home comes along.

And in a market with increasing choice, that preparation can make all the difference.