Housing Market 2026 So Far
The UK housing market began 2026 on a stronger footing than seasonal data alone might imply. Drawing on the latest Propertymark agent data from December 2025, alongside early 2026 house price and portal indicators, there are clear signs of sustained buyer demand. Additionally, there are signs of resilient pricing and growing market activity.
Although December is traditionally quieter due to the Christmas period, agent-level data is particularly useful because it highlights underlying trends rather than short-term fluctuations in volume. Even during the festive slowdown, key indicators pointed towards a positive start to the year. This trend has since been confirmed by wider market data.
We examine what recent sales and lettings figures tell us about the UK housing market so far in 2026. We also look at what they suggest for the months ahead.
Key takeaways: UK housing market outlook (2026)
- Buyer demand remains resilient despite the traditional December slowdown, with new buyer registrations rising to 74 per branch.
- House prices have reached a new milestone, with the average UK price topping £300,000 for the first time (Halifax, February 2026).
- Sales activity dipped seasonally, but pricing held firm, with 9% of homes still achieving the asking price.
- Transaction delays are a growing challenge, with around 30% of sales taking over 17 weeks from offer to completion.
- Rental supply remains tight, with roughly six tenants chasing each available home, keeping upward pressure on rents.
- The market outlook for spring 2026 is cautiously positive, supported by strong January listings and the potential for interest rate cuts.
Sales market performance
Seasonal factors inevitably influenced some sales metrics in December. Average viewings per property dipped to 1.3, while the number of homes for sale levels dropped to a typical 36 properties per branch. The average number of agreed sales also fell to 5.5 per branch. This reflects the expected slowdown over the holiday period.
These figures are unsurprising. However, what stands out is the level of activity that continued despite Christmas.
The average number of new buyers registered per agency branch rose slightly to 74, even with shorter working weeks and reduced marketing activity. Therefore, this indicates that buyer interest remained strong beneath the surface.
Pricing data also proved more resilient than expected. The proportion of properties achieving their asking price remained steady at 9%. This was a period when sellers might typically be expected to compromise to secure a sale before the end of the year.
Subsequent data have reinforced the relevance of these December indicators. In February, the Halifax House Price Index reported that the average UK house price exceeded £300,000 for the first time. Meanwhile, major property portals have reported busy starts to 2026, with increased listings and high levels of buyer engagement.
One area of concern highlighted by agents relates to transaction times. Around 30% of deals agreed took more than 17 weeks from an offer being agreed to completion!
As I’ve said before, prolonged transaction timelines risk discouraging buyers and sellers alike and ultimately result in deals falling through.
Rental market trends
The rental market is generally less affected by seasonal disruption, and the December data closely reflects conditions seen throughout the year.
In December, there were approximately six prospective tenants chasing each available rental property.
While slightly lower than peak levels seen earlier in the year, this still points to ongoing supply shortages in the private rented sector.
Limited rental properties continue to place upward pressure on monthly rents. At the same time, annual rent growth is currently running at around 3%, which is slower than the increases seen during the summer and autumn. However, it remains a concern for affordability for many renters.
Equally, supply constraints may be exacerbated if landlords exit the market due to rising costs and regulatory pressures.
On a more positive note, rent arrears remain relatively contained. It’s reported that only 4% of agents flagged rent arrears as a significant issue. This remains low by historic standards despite broader cost-of-living pressures.
What’s next for the housing market in 2026?
Early indicators suggest that the UK housing market is set for a sensibly busy year, particularly as the spring selling season approaches.
One major property portal reported the largest January increase in asking prices on record, with prices rising 2.8% month-on-month. While such growth is unlikely to be sustained throughout the year, it reflects strong early activity.
Another portal reported that January saw the highest number of new homes listed for sale since 2018. This signals homeowner confidence to kick off their moving plans and list their home for sale.
If you’re considering moving, current data offers little reason to delay. Market conditions remain supportive, and there is widespread expectation of one, possibly two, interest rate cuts in the coming months. Provided there is no significant political or economic instability, these factors should help maintain momentum through the key spring period.
We’ll revisit these trends next month. For now, the evidence points to a housing market that has started the year with confidence and intent.
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Last Updated: February 9th, 2026
