Posted on 21st January 2026
It’s been a superb start to 2026 for our team, with both our sales and lettings departments exceptionally busy across all four of our offices in Darlington, Chester-le-Street, Crook and Durham. Buyer confidence has carried over from the end of last year, and we’ve seen strong demand for well-priced property throughout the region. At the same time, the lettings market remains highly active, with good quality rental homes letting quickly and landlords continuing to benefit from steady demand.
This level of activity is always encouraging to see, and it reflects the continued resilience of our local property market. Whether you’re looking to sell, buy, let or rent, our teams are working hard to guide clients through every stage of the process, offering local knowledge, honest advice and a personal service.
Looking ahead, one of the biggest changes on the horizon is the Renters’ Rights Act, which is due to come into force from 1st May 2026. This legislation will bring significant changes for landlords and tenants alike, and we are already preparing to ensure our managed landlords are fully compliant well before the deadline. Over the coming months, we’ll be keeping landlords informed about what the new rules mean in practice, how they may affect existing tenancies, and what steps can be taken now to be ready. Our aim is to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
There are also positive signs on the wider economic front. Interest rates have started to ease, and we’re hopeful that this trend will continue throughout 2026. Lower rates can make a real difference to affordability and confidence, particularly for first-time buyers and those looking to move home.
If you’re considering buying or remortgaging, we offer free mortgage appointments with our independent mortgage adviser. They can access a wide range of lenders, explain your options clearly and help you plan your next move with confidence. This is easily done via our 'Sales' tab on our website.
If you’d like to discuss selling, letting, renting or mortgages, please get in touch with your local office – we’d be delighted to help. Here's to another fantastic year ahead!