As the UK enters 2026, housing market data from multiple industry reports paints a picture of cautious optimism. Across buyer demand indicators, listing activity, and wider market sentiment, a pattern is emerging: after a turbulent 2025 marked by political uncertainty and shifting economic pressures, the property market is showing signs of renewed energy and forward movement.
A Strong Rebound in Buyer Demand
New analysis from Zoopla reveals that the year has opened with a notable uplift in buyer activity across the UK. Despite a sluggish end to 2025, demand in early January 2026 surged significantly, supported by an increased number of homes coming to market. The average estate agent began the year with 32 homes for sale, the highest early‑January figure in eight years, signalling solid underlying appetite among movers. Supply remains uneven regionally, with London and the Southeast showing the largest year‑on‑year increases in stock, while parts of the North demonstrate greater scarcity and stronger price resilience.
This rebound in activity, though 10% below the unusually strong start seen in 2025, still sits more than 20% above early‑2023 levels, suggesting a more sustainable medium‑term trend. The data indicates that increased choice is creating a healthier, more balanced market in southern regions, while supporting price stability and moderate growth elsewhere.
RICS: Market Confidence Begins to Return
The latest UK Residential Market Survey from RICS shows sentiment improving among chartered surveyors, despite the market’s softness at the end of 2025. Forward‑looking indicators have turned notably more positive: short‑term sales expectations have risen sharply to the most optimistic levels since late 2024, while 12‑month projections point to anticipated sales growth.
Although buyer demand and agreed sales remained in negative territory overall, both metrics improved month‑on‑month, suggesting a tentative turning point. Stabilising vendor instructions and easing interest‑rate expectations have helped lift confidence. Regional variations remain stark, with sharper price falls in London and the Southeast, and continued growth in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Nonetheless, the overarching message is that the market appears to be finding its footing as 2026 begins.
Renewed Activity Emerging After Winter Lull
Landmark’s latest Residential Property Trends Report offers further context on the mixed close to 2025. Transaction activity weakened through Q4 as economic and fiscal uncertainty discouraged both buyers and sellers, with listing volumes down and SSTC numbers dropping 17% year‑on‑year. November was particularly subdued, recording the weakest SSTC performance of the year.
However, activity began to re‑emerge towards the end of December, hinting at pent‑up demand carrying into 2026. Mortgage valuations, search order volumes, and completed sales all softened in Q4, reflecting a market in temporary pause rather than structural decline. Landmark’s analysis suggests that, with more stable conditions, the UK enters 2026 with “grounds for cautious optimism”.
Rightmove: A 57% Surge in Buyer Demand
Rightmove’s early‑2026 activity snapshot is among the most striking indicators of renewed momentum. Buyer demand jumped 57% in the two weeks after Christmas compared to the two weeks prior, buoyed by improved affordability and reduced market uncertainty. Newly listed homes also rose 81%, marking the busiest start‑of‑year for listings since 2014.
Despite one‑third of properties reducing their asking price, the average price of homes coming to market climbed by 2.8% in January — the largest January rise since records began. This demonstrates increasing seller confidence and robust early‑year engagement from movers. While price‑sensitivity remains a key factor, the surge in activity indicates that many people are now planning moves for 2026.
Weathering the Storm: A Market Poised for Brighter Days
According to the final Property & Homemover Report for 2025, the UK housing market defied multiple headwinds, including the end of stamp duty relief and reduced consumer confidence, to deliver a 10% rise in transactions and the highest number of new listings in a decade. Exchange volumes also grew by more than 12% year‑on‑year.
Although fall‑throughs, price reductions, and withdrawn properties also increased, much of this reflects late‑year caution ahead of the November budget. Analysts suggest that underlying resilience remains strong. Entering 2026, falling base rates, improved lending conditions, and sustained buyer appetite all point toward a steadier year ahead, with renewed opportunities for both purchasers and sellers.
Conclusion: A Market in Recovery — But Not Without Its Challenges
Across all five reports, a consistent narrative emerges. Buyer demand is rebounding and stock levels are rising, offering choice and moderating price pressures. Confidence is slowly returning, supported by economic clarity and easing mortgage conditions. The late 2025 slowdown appears to have been temporary, with early 2026 indicators showing significant improvement.
Overall, while the market is not without risks, such as ongoing price‑sensitivity and varying regional performance, the data points to a sector regaining momentum. As 2026 unfolds, stabilising economic conditions and revitalised buyer interest suggest the likelihood of a more active and confident property landscape ahead.
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Sources
Read the full stories and reports at:
todaysconveyancer.co.uk/zoopla-analysis
todaysconveyancer.co.uk/rics-housing-market
RICS-uk-residential-market-survey-december-2025.pdf
todaysconveyancer.co.uk/landmark-housing-report
Landmark Residential Property Trends JAN26.pdf
todaysconveyancer.co.uk/rightmove-hpi
Rightmove House Price Index
todaysconveyncer.co.uk/twentyci-homemover-eoy25
TwentyCi Property & Homemover Report – End of Year 2025