Landmark’s Q1 2026 signal points to a UK housing market where existing homeowners are acting faster than many new buyers. The practical takeaway is simple: if your mortgage deal ends in 2026, review your options early, because the cost of falling onto an SVR can matter more than small movements in asking prices. Buyers may find slightly more room to negotiate, but affordability checks and monthly payment pressure still set the limit.

What Landmark’s Q1 2026 signal means

Landmark Information Group publishes UK property market insight through its industry reports and property data work, including material across estate agency, lending, surveying and conveyancing (Landmark Information Group, 2026). The Q1 2026 theme suggests a market led more by remortgaging activity than by fresh buyer momentum.

That is not the same as saying the housing market has stopped. It means activity is uneven. Homeowners are being pushed into decisions by the end of fixed-rate or tracker deal periods, while some would-be buyers are delaying because deposits, mortgage payments, moving costs and affordability assessments remain demanding.

Why remortgaging is taking the lead

A remortgage can mean moving to a new lender, staying put through a product transfer, changing the mortgage term, switching product type, or borrowing more through a further advance. MoneyHelper explains that remortgaging can help borrowers look for a better deal, but costs can include arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees and early repayment charges (MoneyHelper, 2026).

For a homeowner, the key comparison is not only rate versus rate. It is the total cost over the deal period. A two-year fixed-rate mortgage with a low headline rate but a high product fee may be less attractive than a slightly higher rate with lower fees, especially on a smaller balance. An ERC can also wipe out much of the benefit of switching early.

As of June 2026; rates change frequently, verify current terms with an FCA-authorised lender or adviser before deciding.

Why buyer demand may be softer

Buyer demand tends to slow when affordability is tight. Even if sellers become more flexible, lenders still assess income, regular spending, credit history, dependants, deposit size and loan-to-value. Buyers also need to allow for conveyancing, valuation, removals and stamp duty land tax in England and Northern Ireland, or land and buildings transaction tax in Scotland, or land transaction tax in Wales.

Read also: When Does It Make Sense to Remortgage Your Mortgage

The Bank of England says Bank Rate affects other interest rates in the economy and is used as a tool to keep inflation stable (Bank of England, 2026). Mortgage pricing does not move perfectly with Bank Rate, because fixed-rate deals also reflect swap rates, lender funding costs, competition and risk appetite. Still, higher borrowing costs can make buyers reduce budgets or pause a move.

What homeowners should check now

If your current deal ends within the next six months, check your outstanding balance, current rate, end date, ERC, estimated property value, loan-to-value and the lender’s SVR. Then compare three routes: a product transfer with your existing lender, a full remortgage to another lender, and doing nothing. Doing nothing is rarely a plan, because the SVR can change and may be materially higher than your current deal.

MoneySavingExpert’s mortgage guidance also stresses comparing fees as well as rates when looking at mortgage deals (MoneySavingExpert, 2026). That is particularly important for borrowers close to the end of a fixed deal, because the right answer may depend on balance size, term, ERC timing and how long they want payment certainty.

What buyers should take from it

A quieter purchase market can help buyers negotiate, but it does not remove risk. Get an agreement in principle before offering, stress-test the monthly payment, and keep cash aside for completion costs. If you are near your borrowing ceiling, a small rate rise, down-valuation or change in lender criteria can affect the purchase.

Bottom line

Landmark’s Q1 2026 signal is best read as a refinancing-led market, not simply a weak or strong market. Existing borrowers have deadlines, while buyers have choices but also affordability limits.

This article is general educational information, not regulated mortgage advice, personalised financial advice, lending advice, legal advice or tax advice. Refisage is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Consider speaking to an FCA-authorised mortgage adviser, MoneyHelper or a qualified tax professional before making decisions. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.