For many buyers and renters, 2026 feels like a natural moment to reassess living arrangements. After several years of shifting priorities around work, lifestyle and affordability, more people are approaching the new year with a clear question in mind. Does where I live still work for how I live now?
Canalside
Across south east London and beyond, this is showing up in real decisions. Some are upsizing to gain space. Others are downsizing to reduce costs or stress. Many renters are exploring whether buying is finally realistic. At the same time, buyers already on the ladder are reassessing whether their current location still suits their long term plans.
At Alex & Matteo, we are seeing these conversations play out across SE16, as well as neighbouring areas such as Peckham. While each move is personal, there are common considerations that are shaping decisions as people look ahead to 2026.
One of the biggest drivers behind a move is space, but not always in the way people expect. It is not simply about square footage. It is about how a home works day to day.
Space and layout
Remote and hybrid working continue to influence housing needs, even as office attendance increases. Buyers and renters are prioritising flexible layouts, usable spare rooms and defined living areas that can adapt over time. Open plan living still appeals, but many people now want a balance between openness and separation.
In areas like Bermondsey and Rotherhithe, modern apartments remain popular for their convenience and transport links. At the same time, some buyers are looking slightly further afield for period properties or larger family homes where layout and storage feel more forgiving. Peckham, for example, offers a wider mix of housing stock that appeals to buyers wanting character alongside space.
Affordability remains central to decision making, but the way people think about budgets is changing. In 2026, buyers and renters are focusing less on stretching to the absolute limit and more on sustainability.
Bermondsey
For renters, this means questioning whether rising rents still offer value for money compared to ownership, particularly when rental prices remain high in well connected parts of south east London. For buyers, it means taking a realistic view of mortgage payments, service charges, maintenance costs and future rate changes.
Many buyers are choosing to purchase within a comfortable range rather than aiming for the maximum possible loan. This creates breathing space and reduces financial pressure, particularly important for households balancing childcare, commuting costs or self employed income.
Another noticeable shift is the growing emphasis on lifestyle over postcode alone. While transport links, schools and amenities remain important, buyers and renters are increasingly looking at how an area feels day to day.
SE16 continues to appeal for its riverside walks, independent cafés and strong transport connections across London. It offers a blend of residential calm and urban access that suits a wide range of households. Peckham, on the other hand, attracts those looking for a more creative and energetic environment, with a strong food scene and cultural identity.
In 2026, many movers are choosing areas that reflect how they actually spend their time rather than how they think they should live. Access to green space, walkability and local community now rank as highly as commute times.
For renters, 2026 is less about settling temporarily and more about renting with intention. Rather than viewing renting as a stopgap, many renters are choosing properties that genuinely support their lifestyle for the medium term.
This includes prioritising quality of build, outdoor space where possible and long term security. Renters are asking more detailed questions about landlords, maintenance standards and renewal expectations. They want clarity, stability and homes that feel worth investing in emotionally, even if they do not own them.
Outdoor space
Areas like SE16 remain popular for renters who want strong transport links without the intensity of more central zones. Meanwhile, Peckham continues to attract renters who value character, nightlife and creative energy.
For buyers, flexibility is a recurring theme. Few buyers now assume a property will be a forever home. Instead, many are thinking five to seven years ahead.
This mindset influences property choice. Buyers are considering resale potential, rental appeal and adaptability. A spare room that could become a nursery, office or guest space adds long term value. Properties near transport hubs remain attractive, but so do homes in areas with clear regeneration plans or growing demand.
Alex & Matteo works closely with buyers who want guidance beyond the initial purchase, helping them understand how a property might perform as their circumstances evolve.
While market timing will always play a role, most successful moves are driven by readiness rather than speculation. Buyers and renters planning a move in 2026 are often those who have spent time preparing during the previous year.
This preparation might include improving credit profiles, saving consistently, speaking to mortgage advisers or tracking local market trends. Renters considering buying are using this period to understand what is realistically achievable and where compromises may be worthwhile.
For sellers, understanding buyer motivations in 2026 is equally important. Homes that present well, offer flexible layouts and feel move in ready continue to attract stronger interest.
Navigating a move, whether renting or buying, is rarely straightforward. The value of local expertise becomes particularly clear during periods of change.
Alex & Matteo specialises in helping people move within SE16 and surrounding areas, offering honest advice grounded in real market knowledge. From first time renters to experienced buyers, our role is to help clients make informed decisions that align with their goals, not just the current market.
If 2026 feels like the year to change how and where you live, you are not alone. Across south east London, buyers and renters are reassessing priorities, redefining what home means and making moves that better reflect their lives today.
Whether you are considering a move within SE16, exploring Peckham or looking further afield, the most important step is clarity. Understanding what you need, what you can afford and what lifestyle you want to support will shape every decision that follows.
Alex & Matteo is here to support that process, offering local insight, practical guidance and a clear understanding of the market as it continues to evolve.
If you are thinking about making a change in 2026, now is the time to start the conversation.
