If you're buying or selling in Glasgow this year, January has given us some early signals worth paying attention to. The start of 2026 feels different from the same period last year: and understanding why can help you make smarter decisions over the coming months.

The Post-Festive Shift: What January Told Us

January is always a curious month in Scottish property. Buyers who paused over the festive period start browsing again, sellers begin planning spring launches, and the market slowly wakes up. This year, that "wake up" has been noticeably sharper.

Enquiries picked up earlier than expected, particularly in pockets like G11 (Partick/Broomhill), G12 (West End/Hyndland), G41 (Pollokshields/Shawlands), and G5 (Gorbals/Laurieston). Buyers are moving faster, and homes that are priced well and presented properly are attracting serious attention within the first week of going live.

Why? A few reasons stand out:

• Mortgage rates are stabilising. After a turbulent couple of years, lenders are offering more competitive products. Buyers who sat on the sidelines in 2024 and 2025 are now in a position to move.
• Confidence is cautiously returning. The broader UK property market is forecast to grow by around 2% this year, and Glasgow is benefiting from that renewed optimism.
• Supply remains tight in desirable areas. Demand hasn't disappeared: it was just delayed. Now it's back, and good properties are being snapped up quickly.

What's Happening in G11, G12, G41, and G5

Each of these postcodes has its own character, and the January market has reflected that.

G11 (Partick/Broomhill)

G11 continues to be a favourite for first-time buyers and young professionals. The transport links, amenities, and access to the West End make it incredibly practical. In January, we've seen strong interest in one and two-bedroom flats: particularly those in well-maintained tenements with updated kitchens and bathrooms.

The challenge? Stock. There simply aren't enough properties coming to market to satisfy demand, which is keeping prices resilient. If you're selling in G11, this is a strong position to be in. If you're buying, you need to be ready to move quickly and make competitive offers.

G12 (West End/Hyndland)

G12 remains the premium postcode. Buyers here expect quality, and they're willing to pay for it: but only if the property meets their standards. January saw a handful of beautifully presented homes move quickly, while others that looked tired or overpriced sat longer than expected.

The lesson? In G12, presentation and pricing strategy matter more than in almost any other part of the city. If you're planning to sell here, invest in professional staging and photography. If you're buying, don't assume "Offers Over" means the price will skyrocket: sometimes it's simply a realistic starting point.

G41 (Pollokshields/Shawlands)

G41 is having a moment. The combination of character properties, strong community feel, and excellent parks makes it hugely appealing to families and professionals who want space without losing proximity to the city centre. January enquiries were particularly strong for three-bedroom homes with gardens or outdoor space.

Energy efficiency is becoming a bigger talking point here, too. Buyers are asking more questions about EPCs, heating systems, and running costs: especially with older properties. If you're selling in G41, being upfront about these factors (and ideally having made improvements) will help your sale run smoothly.

G5 (Gorbals/Laurieston)

G5 has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and January 2026 showed that buyers are fully aware of its value. Modern flats with good transport links and city views remain popular, particularly with first-time buyers and investors.

The key differentiator? Finish and layout. Buyers in G5 have plenty of options, so homes that feel spacious, well-designed, and move-in ready are the ones that stand out. If you're selling, make sure your property shows well online: photos matter enormously in this postcode.

What This Means for Buyers

If you're looking to buy in Glasgow right now, here's what you need to know:

Move quickly, but not recklessly. The market is active, but that doesn't mean you should panic-buy. Get your mortgage Agreement in Principle sorted early, read Home Reports thoroughly, and be ready to make decisions within a few days of viewing a property you like.

Expect competition in the right pockets. G11, G12, and G41 are all seeing multiple-offer scenarios on well-priced homes. Don't assume you'll get a property at the asking price: speak to your solicitor and estate agent about realistic offers.

Mortgage rates are your friend right now. With rates expected to trend lower throughout 2026, you're entering at a better time than you would have a year ago. Lock in a good deal if you can, but also keep an eye on longer-term fixed options if you want stability.

Energy efficiency matters more than ever. Buyers are increasingly factoring running costs into their budgets. A property with a poor EPC might look like a bargain, but if it's going to cost you hundreds extra per month to heat, that's a false economy.

What This Means for Sellers

If you're planning to sell in 2026, January has given us some useful insights:

Spring is still the traditional peak, but the market is already moving. If you want to catch the early buyers (and avoid competing with a flood of spring listings), consider launching in February or early March.

Presentation is non-negotiable. The days of "it'll sell itself" are long gone. Declutter, stage, and invest in professional photography. In areas like G12 and G41, this is the difference between a quick sale and a property that sits for weeks.

Pricing needs to be strategic. "Offers Over" is a powerful tool, but only if the starting price is realistic. Overpricing doesn't "test the market": it teaches buyers to ignore your property. Work with your estate agent to set a figure that will generate competitive interest, not scare people away.

Home Reports need to be clean. Buyers and their solicitors will scrutinise every page. If there are Category 2 (Amber) items, be prepared to discuss them openly. If you can resolve issues before you go live, even better.

Digital marketing is where buyers find you. Most people start their search online, which means your listing needs to stand out on Rightmove, Zoopla, and social media. If your agent isn't proactively marketing your property across multiple channels, you're losing potential buyers.

The Mortgage and Finance Landscape

One of the most encouraging shifts in January has been the mortgage market. After years of volatility, rates are stabilising, and lenders are competing again. Fixed rates are becoming more attractive, and product choice is improving.

For buyers, this means:

• You have more negotiating power with lenders. Shop around, use a good mortgage broker, and don't just accept the first offer.
• Affordability checks are still strict, but manageable. Lenders haven't relaxed their criteria dramatically, but if you have a clean financial history and a decent deposit, you're in a strong position.
• Consider fixing for longer. With rates expected to fall further, it's tempting to go for a tracker. But if you value certainty, a longer-term fix could give you peace of mind.

For sellers, this is good news. More buyers can afford to move, which means your pool of potential purchasers is larger than it has been for a while.

What to Expect Over the Coming Months

Looking ahead, here's what I expect to see in Glasgow over the next few months:

Activity will pick up through February and March. Spring is traditionally the busiest time in Scottish property, and all the early signs suggest 2026 will follow that pattern.

Supply will remain tight in the best-connected areas. G11, G12, and parts of G41 will continue to see strong demand and limited stock, which keeps prices stable.

Energy efficiency will become a bigger differentiator. As running costs rise, buyers will increasingly favour homes with good EPCs and modern heating systems.

Investors will stay cautious but present. Buy-to-let demand hasn't disappeared, but investors are being more selective. Properties that offer strong yields and low maintenance will still attract interest.

The "value" postcodes will continue to grow. Areas like G5 and parts of the South Side are benefiting from people priced out of G12 or looking for better space for their money. Expect this trend to continue.

Final Thoughts

January 2026 has shown that Glasgow's property market is in a healthier place than it has been for some time. Buyers are active, mortgage rates are improving, and well-presented homes are moving quickly.

If you're planning to buy or sell this year, the fundamentals are clear: preparation, pricing, and presentation matter. The market rewards people who do their homework and work with professionals who understand the local landscape.

Whether you're exploring your options in G11, considering a move to G12, looking for character in G41, or eyeing modern city living in G5, now is a good time to have those conversations.

If you'd like to talk through what January's trends mean for your specific situation: or if you're curious about what your home might realistically achieve in today's market: feel free to get in touch. No pressure, just a clear conversation about where things stand.

📩 won.thein@kwscotland.co.uk | 📱 07753375229