If you spent your Boxing Day finishing off the turkey sandwiches and browsing dream homes on your phone, you certainly weren’t alone.
The property market has just woken up to its busiest start in history. According to the latest figures from Rightmove, Boxing Day 2025 shattered all previous records, with visits to their site jumping by a massive 93% compared to Christmas Day.
But it’s not just window shopping. Enquiries to estate agents have surged, and the number of new homes being listed for sale has more than doubled. The message is clear: the 2026 property market is moving, and it’s moving fast.
At Skyline Mortgages, we are seeing this frenzy first-hand. Our phones have been ringing off the hook with home buyers and existing owners eager to get their finances in order. But amidst this excitement, there is a golden opportunity that many buyers are currently overlooking: the ability to lock in a mortgage rate now, well before you need to complete.
Here is why acting today could be the best financial decision you make this year.
The Rate Landscape has Changed
To understand why locking in is so important right now, we have to look at the bigger picture. The economic landscape of January 2026 looks significantly brighter than it did twelve months ago.
Following the Bank of England’s decision to cut the Base Rate to 3.75% in December, we have seen a flurry of activity from high-street lenders. A price war has effectively broken out, with major lenders cutting rates to compete for business in the New Year.
However, mortgage rates are fluid. While the trend is currently downward, the market remains sensitive to global events and inflation data. A rate available at 9:00 AM on a Tuesday might be pulled by 5:00 PM on Wednesday. In a market this busy, hesitation can be costly.
The 6-Month Safety Net Strategy
One of the most powerful tools available to you, yet one of the least understood, is the ability to secure a mortgage product up to six months in advance.
Many people believe they should only apply for a mortgage once they have found a house or when their current deal is weeks away from expiring. In reality, waiting is often a gamble you don’t need to take.
By using an independent broker to lock in a rate now, you are effectively buying yourself an insurance policy against volatility.
For Home Movers: You enter the market with a ‘Decision in Principle’ backed by a secured rate. In a competitive market where Rightmove visits are up 93%, estate agents prioritise buyers who have their finances sorted. You look like a serious player because you are one.
For Remortgagers: If your fixed rate is ending anytime before July 2026, you can secure a new deal today. This protects you if rates suddenly spike.
But What If Rates Drop Further?
This is the number one question we get asked at Skyline. "If I lock in a rate of 3.X% today, and lenders cut rates again in March, have I lost out?"
The answer is no - but only if you use an independent broker.
When you go directly to a bank, they often lock you into their ecosystem. However, when you work with Skyline, we monitor the market constantly.
Here is the Skyline strategy:
We lock in the best rate available today. You are now safe. The worst-case scenario is that you pay this rate.
We watch the market. If rates go up next month, you don't worry - you already have a cheaper rate secured.
If rates go down: We can simply tear up the old application and move you to the new, cheaper rate before your completion date.
It is a ‘heads you win, tails you don't lose’ scenario. You get the security of a locked rate with the flexibility to switch if things get better. This is the specific reason we are seeing so many clients coming forward in January, they want to secure the floor without capping their ceiling.
The Rightmove Effect: Competition is Heating Up
We cannot ignore the stats from Rightmove that 93% surge in traffic.
When online traffic spikes, physical viewings follow 2-3 weeks later. That means February is on track to be incredibly competitive for buyers.
If you find your dream home next month, you may be up against three or four other bidders. In that pressure cooker environment, having your mortgage pre-approved and your rate locked in is a powerful negotiation tool. It tells the seller that you are ready to go now, ensuring you don't get stuck in the slow lane while others race ahead.
Why You Need a Broker in 2026
The mortgage market has become complex. With lenders launching new flash sale products and tweaking criteria daily to capture the New Year demand, comparison sites often show out-of-date information.
An independent broker like Tony at Skyline looks at the whole of the market. We don’t just find you the lowest headline rate; we find the lender who will actually lend to you, lock in that rate for 6 months, and then manage the paperwork to ensure you complete on time.
Conclusion: Don't Wait and See
The data from Rightmove confirms that the UK property market is back in business. The Bank of England has provided the stability we’ve all been waiting for. Now, it is up to you to take advantage of it.
Whether you are looking to move home or simply want to ensure your monthly payments don’t skyrocket when your current deal ends, the strategy is the same: Secure a rate now.
You have nothing to lose by locking in a rate today, but you could have a lot to gain.
Are you ready to secure your rate?
Book your free mortgage call with Tony today and let’s make sure you’re locked in on the best possible deal.
Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The amount will depend on your circumstances.
Skyline Mortgage Consultants Ltd is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.