Why I Wouldn’t sell my Cheadle home in 2026

If you’ve been holding back from selling in 2025 in the hope that prices will suddenly surge in 2026, you’re not alone. But you may also be setting yourself up for disappointment.

There’s a quiet assumption among many homeowners that waiting equals winning — that time alone will deliver a higher price. In the current market, it is actually quite the opposite. 

Let’s look at why.

The Numbers Most Sellers Aren’t Looking At

At the end of December, there were 577 properties available across SK8, yet only 89 actually sold.

That’s a sales-to-stock ratio of 15.4%.

For context, a genuine seller’s market usually requires a ratio of 50% or more — where demand significantly outstrips supply and buyers are forced to compete. We are nowhere near that.

What this tells us isn’t that homes can’t sell — they clearly can, but that buyers have choice, and they’re using it.

Why 2026 Won’t Reward “Hanging Back”

As we move into Q1 of 2026, the level of available stock is expected to increase, not fall. Spring traditionally brings more sellers to market, not fewer.

That has two knock-on effects:

1. Buyers gain even more choice

2. Competition between sellers intensifies

In that environment, price inflation struggles to take hold. In fact, most lenders and market commentators are forecasting anything from a –1.5% adjustment to a maximum of +4% change across 2026 — hardly the kind of movement that rewards wishful pricing.

Waiting doesn’t remove risk. It often repackages it.

The Myth of “Testing the Market”

Two of the most damaging phrases we hear are “we’ll just test the market” and " We aren't in a rush to sell" 

Testing the market at an optimistic price doesn’t test demand — it a recipe for disaster. 

The first few weeks are when buyers are most engaged. Miss that window with an inflated price, and momentum drains away quickly. Interest softens. Feedback changes. Reductions follow. And the property becomes harder to sell for any price.

In a market like this, accuracy beats optimism every time.

What Actually Matters If You Need to Sell in 2026

If selling is a genuine requirement — not just a vague idea, then 2026 won’t be about waiting for luck or headlines.

It will come down to:

• Pricing accurately, not aspirationally

• Launching with a clear strategy, not hope

• Marketing that speaks to buyer behaviour, not just portals

• Creating momentum early, not reacting later

Homes that sell will be the ones positioned correctly from day one. Homes that don’t will often be the ones priced for the market sellers wish they were in or misled by agents who will say anything just to obtain the listing. 

A Calm Word on Strategy

At Maurice Kilbride, we spend much of our time helping homeowners understand why properties sell — and why others struggle.

That often means honest conversations. Sometimes uncomfortable ones. But in a market like this, clarity and data matter more than false hope.

There’s no mileage in chasing headlines or testing unrealistic prices. There is value in understanding timing, demand, and how buyers are actually behaving right now.

So, Would I Sell in 2026?

Yes — if I needed to.

But I wouldn’t wait for the market to rescue me. I wouldn’t rely on optimism. And I certainly wouldn’t test the market and hope.

A Sensible Next Step (If You Need Clarity)

If selling in 2026 is something you need to do, rather than simply hope to do — a clear strategy matters more than pure optimism.

We offer free, no obligation strategy and marketing meetings designed to help homeowners understand:

• How their property would realistically perform in the current market

• What pricing accuracy actually looks like in today’s conditions

• How to create early momentum rather than chase it later

• And whether now, or later, genuinely makes sense for them

These meetings aren’t about pressure or promises. They’re about clarity — so you can make informed decisions before the market makes them for you.

If that would be helpful, you can arrange a strategy and valuation meeting with us by calling 0161 428 3663, e-mail sales@mkiea.co.uk or you can book a home visit online here Strategy & Marketing Consultation