Property market sees strong start to 2026

The property market has rebounded at the start of 2026, with the highest number of homes for sale in eight years, according to new data.

Research from property portal Zoopla shows buyer demand has surged, although it remains 10% below levels seen at the start of 2025.

However, demand is more than 20% higher than at the beginning of 2023 and well above pre-pandemic levels recorded between 2017 and 2019.

Positive to see a strong rebound in buyer demand

According to Zoopla, 2026 started with the average estate agent having 32 homes for sale, the highest level in early January since 2018.

The growth in the number of homes for sale compared to a year ago is greatest in London, up 16% on last year followed by the South East, up 9%.

Southern regions were most impacted by Budget uncertainty which stalled sales in the final months of 2025 meaning more homes carried over into 2026.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “After a sluggish end to 2025 it is positive to see a strong rebound in buyer demand over the first weeks of the year across all parts of the country. Growing numbers of homes for sale is evidence of a strong underlying appetite to move home for many households.  Market conditions vary widely across the UK, and sellers looking to move home in 2026 need to take this into account when planning their home move.

“Across much of southern England, there is a much greater choice of homes for sale. Buyers are price-sensitive and have more choice, so achieving the best result depends on setting a competitive asking price and attracting early interest. Homes priced too high often take longer to sell and at the risk of achieving a lower price. It is important that homeowners price carefully and seek the advice of agents to plan the right strategy for their home sale.”

He adds: “Across the rest of the country there is a degree of scarcity, but sellers need to remain realistic over pricing. The market is stable rather than booming. Buyers are active but careful, which means pricing correctly from the outset is crucial. Homes that are well-presented and realistically priced continue to sell, while those priced optimistically will take longer and may need price reductions to attract interest.”