Droitwich, Worcester & Malvern Property Market Update – February 2026
The beginning of 2026 has landed with exactly the kind of energy we love to see at the start of the year 🚀
Phones are busy 📞, stock is coming on 🏡 and buyers are moving 🏃♂️💨. Compared with recent years, this is a very healthy opening 💪.
New listings are well ahead of average, with over 32,800 homes coming to market just last week 🏠📊.
Year-to-date supply is up 25.6% on last year and nearly50% above pre-Covid levels, giving buyers more choice 🎯 and well-priced homes a real advantage 💰✅.
Sales are also moving quickly, with over 21,200 properties sold subject to contract last week alone 🔥🤝.
Demand remains strong, with year-to-date sales up 31% on 2024 and more than 42% above pre-Covid norms 📈💥.
Mortgage choice has jumped to over 7,100 products — the highest level we’ve seen since 2007 🏦✨. Importantly, there are far more options for buyers with 5% or 10% deposits, giving first-time buyers a real boost 🚪🔑🙌.
With more choice than ever, it’s worth looking beyond your high street bank 👀🏦.
Get in touch and we can connect you with our trusted mortgage brokers for tailored advice 🤝📞💬.
Sources: Bank of England, Rightmove, Dataloft by PriceHubble, ONS, UK HPI, Zoopla, Halifax
Local Market Roundup
The latest Land Registry data for the past twelve months reported 3,874 total transactions across the WR postcode area, reflecting a 13% decline compared to the previous year, with an average sales price of £294,229; Worcester recorded 1,729 transactions (down 12%), Malvern saw 538 transactions (down 20%), and Droitwich fell 7% to 424 transactions.
Over the same period, the average sale price in the WR postcode area increased by 1% to £294,229, with houses accounting for 89% of total sales and averaging £318,986, while flats made up 11% with an average sale price of £149,638; Malvern’s average price rose by 3% to £304,780, Droitwich saw a 1% increase to £299,856, and Worcester’s average increased slightly by 1% to £266,199, with the increase in average sales prices over the last five years shown below.
Over the past 12 months, the average rent across the WR postcode area reached £961 per month, an 8% increase on the previous year, with flats accounting for 43% of all lets and averaging £799 per month, while houses achieved higher values at £1,110 per month; in Droitwich, rents rose 1% to an average of £906 per month, with flats at £720 and houses at £1,023, Malvern saw a 4% increase with average rents reaching £1,050, flats at £876 and houses at £1,259, and Worcester’s average rent reached £917 per month, up 10%, with flats averaging £813 and houses £1,038 per month.
National Market
🏡 UK House Prices Update 📊
House prices are continuing to show steady movement 📊🏡, with the average UK house price at £271,188 in November, around 2.5% higher than this time last year 📈, while asking prices have also jumped to an average of £368,031 following the biggest January increase on record 🚀💷; looking ahead, forecasts point to around 3.3% house price growth in 2026 🔮📈, suggesting continued confidence in the market 💪😊.
Economy
The wider economy is showing mixed but encouraging signs 🌍📈, with the Bank of England cutting interest rates from 4% to 3.75% – the lowest level since early 2023 💷⬇️, GDP growing by around 0.3% in November after a small dip in October 📊➡️, and inflation edging up slightly to 3.4% in December 🔥📉 while remaining well below previous highs 🙌.
Lettings Market
Within the lettings market, void periods dipped slightly in December from 24 days to 23 ⏳⬇️, reflecting a seasonal slowdown towards year-end rather than any drop in underlying demand 📅💪; rental values remain on an upward trajectory 📈💷, with rents forecast to rise by 3–4% through 2025 🔮, as slower growth in major cities is offset by stronger performance in more affordable markets 🏙️➡️🏘️, and the average rent in December standing at £1,317 – a 2.6% year-on-year increase – highlighting the continued resilience of the rental market 💥😊.
Community News
🎤 How to Get Your Home Market-Ready in Just 7 Days with Dan Peace
Thinking of going on the market in 2026? 👀🏡 This episode of our Behind The Board series breaks down how you can make a real impact and get your home market-ready in just seven days ⏱️✨
Dan shares what buyers actually notice 👀, which improvements are worth your time 🔧, and how smart preparation can help your home stand out, attract more interest 📈 and achieve a stronger price 💷💪. From first impressions to small changes that make a big difference, it’s ideal viewing if selling is on your radar 🎯.
Whether you’re ready to list now or just want to be prepared for when the time feels right 🗓️, this episode gives you a clear, realistic plan — without unnecessary expense 🚫💸.
👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for expert tips, local market insight 📊 and simple guidance to help you sell smarter, buy better and feel confident at every stage of your property journey 🔑😊
Market Insight
This market update draws from a range of trusted sources to provide you with clear, evidence-based insights to guide your property decisions. Our team is committed to staying updated on latest market trends and legislative changes, ensuring you have the most current and relevant information.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to assist you in making informed property decisions and navigating your property journey.
For additional insights, follow us on social media, where we share regular updates, available on the Nicol & Co Instagram page @nicolandco_estateagents or through @Matt_the_Agent.
