February 2026

There is a particular type of market confidence that does not announce itself. It does not arrive with headlines or bidding wars. It shows up in the data as a gentle, persistent upward drift in values while the rest of the country argues about whether the market is up or down. Welwyn Garden City, right now, is that market.

Thinking of renting out your home? With major rental reforms arriving in 2026, the days of private, informal lettings are over. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know to stay compliant, protected and prepared.

Even within the same town, property markets rarely move as one. Buyer behaviour varies by neighbourhood, price sensitivity changes street by street, and the pace of decision making can shift noticeably within a short distance.