After months of economic speculation and fluctuating lending costs, the Bank of England’s decision to hold the base rate at 3.75% has brought a welcome sense of stability to the property market. For buyers and sellers in Hitchin, that certainty is already having a powerful impact.
Early signs from January suggest the calm has triggered a valuation surge, with more homeowners stepping forward to explore their selling options. For investors, it’s also ignited fresh momentum, bringing renewed focus on what makes Hitchin such a sought-after part of North Hertfordshire.
Here’s why the 3.75% base rate is creating the ideal moment to act – and what it could mean for your next move in Hitchin.
What does 3.75% mean for buyers and sellers?
Let’s start with the basics. A base rate of 3.75% signals the Bank of England’s current view on inflation and borrowing. While this is higher than the record lows of previous years, it’s significantly lower than the 2023 peaks, when rates nudged above 5% and sent a wave of uncertainty through the mortgage market.
By holding steady at 3.75%, lenders have greater confidence in pricing their mortgage products. That means buyers can now lock into:
- Fixed-rate mortgages with predictable monthly payments
- Five-year deals at competitive rates
- Fewer affordability barriers for first-time buyers
For sellers, this renewed confidence among buyers is vital. With mortgage offers being issued more quickly and buyers keen to act before rates shift again, homes priced correctly are now attracting strong early interest.
In other words, a stable rate has returned the market to a position where committed buyers are ready to proceed, and sellers can list with a clear sense of what they might achieve.
Hitchin housing market forecast: Calm, not cold
In 2025, Hitchin followed the national trend of cautious but consistent sales. Price growth slowed but didn’t collapse. Chains were more fragile, but serious buyers remained.
As we step into 2026, the tone is shifting. Country Properties Hitchin has already seen:
- An uptick in valuation requests throughout January
- Viewings returning to pre-2023 levels
- Offers being made closer to asking price, especially on well-located family homes
Rightmove’s latest House Price Index supports this, showing stable asking prices in Hitchin with a year-on-year increase of 1.8%. Zoopla’s figures echo that sentiment, noting that towns like Hitchin, which combine strong schools, rail links and character homes, are bouncing back first.
This is no runaway boom – and that’s a good thing. Buyers have time to make considered decisions, and sellers can plan moves with less risk of price drops or collapsing chains.
Why homeowners are acting now
January is traditionally a busy time for property valuations, but 2026 is showing a different kind of urgency.
After two years of mortgage anxiety, the new base rate brings clarity. That clarity is removing one of the biggest obstacles for would-be sellers who spent much of 2025 watching and waiting.
There are several key reasons valuations are on the rise:
- Certainty – With rates holding, buyers are making offers with more confidence, and chains are forming faster.
- Pricing – Sellers who held off in 2025 are seeing prices stabilise and, in some cases, rise slightly, creating renewed motivation.
- Timing – Many want to be ready for the spring selling season, traditionally the busiest time of year.
- Personal goals – Downsizers, upsizers, and relocators who paused their plans during the volatile rate hikes are back in the market.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to book a property valuation in Hitchin, this could be it.
Local data snapshot: Hitchin in numbers
Here are the latest figures painting a picture of Hitchin’s 2026 housing market:
- Average house price: £448,000 (Rightmove, January 2026)
- Average flat price: £275,000
- Average detached home: £680,000
- Average time on market: 35 days (down from 49 days in late 2025)
- Sale price vs asking price: 97.2% (Zoopla, December 2025)
The strongest-performing sectors are:
- Three-bed semis in family zones like Purwell and Highover
- Period cottages near the town centre
- Homes within walking distance of Hitchin train station
As demand grows, especially among London movers and returning expats, early valuations are often turning into swift sales.
How mortgage certainty shapes buyer confidence
A predictable base rate doesn’t just ease financial nerves – it also makes mortgages easier to secure.
Banks and building societies are now offering:
- More five- and ten-year fixed products
- Lower deposit thresholds (especially with government-backed schemes)
- Competitive deals for remortgaging buyers
This increased access to borrowing is bringing first-time buyers back into the market, which helps sellers in all price bands. It also encourages investors to act, with Hitchin’s rental market remaining strong.
When buyers can rely on a stable mortgage deal, they’re more likely to make offers and stick to them. That’s already reducing the number of fall-throughs and renegotiations.
Why choose Country Properties Hitchin for your valuation?
With a balanced market returning, the quality of your estate agent matters more than ever. At Country Properties Hitchin, we offer:
- Deep local knowledge of Hitchin’s micro-markets
- Accurate, honest valuations backed by live data
- Skilled negotiation that achieves the best possible sale price
- Proactive sales progression to keep your move on track
Our team has helped hundreds of sellers across areas like Bearton, West Hitchin, and Ickleford. We understand what buyers are looking for in 2026 and how to position your property for maximum interest.
We also know that getting your price right from day one is essential. In a market driven by confidence, not competition, realistic pricing makes all the difference.
The emotional side of moving in 2026
Beyond the numbers, it’s worth acknowledging that many people are coming into the market with changed priorities. After years of uncertainty, buyers and sellers alike are clearer about what matters most:
- Space for flexible working
- Access to green space and local amenities
- Good transport without needing to commute every day
Hitchin meets these needs better than most towns. With excellent schools, direct trains to London, and a strong sense of community, it remains one of Hertfordshire’s most desirable places to live.
For many homeowners, that’s a compelling reason to move within the town – or to release equity by selling now while prices remain steady.
Final thought: Stable rates bring powerful momentum
After a testing period for the housing market, 2026 is beginning with a rare combination: steady mortgage rates and strong local demand.
This isn’t a market boom. It’s a market of opportunity – for those ready to take the next step.
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating or investing, the current window gives you the certainty to act with clarity and confidence.
To find out what your home is worth in today’s Hitchin market, or to view properties now available, speak to your local team at Country Properties Hitchin.
Book your free property valuation in Hitchin today
Start 2026 with a clear picture of your property’s value. Our experienced team are here to help you make smart, informed decisions.
Explore what’s possible in a market finally shaped by calm, not chaos.
