If you’re hoping to move in the first half of 2026, now’s the time to start thinking ahead. The property market might feel quieter as we head into winter, but getting your timing right over the next few months could be the difference between moving in spring or waiting until summer.

When you decide to move home, you want the process to feel exciting, not stressful. Yet behind the scenes, the property world has become a target for money launderers, fraudsters, and people who try to pass themselves off as something they’re not.

The November Budget introduces new tax measures that will influence affordability, demand and long-term property decisions. With higher household costs and a new levy on homes over £2 million, buyers and sellers will need to plan their next steps with clearer strategy.

If you’re planning to buy a home soon, you might assume the best place to start is on the property portals, Rightmove, Zoopla, or OnTheMarket. But the truth is, the savviest buyers are seeing homes long before they ever appear online. Here’s why registering with an agent puts you one step ahead.