Spring Momentum Builds in the Housing Market
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 we’ve said before, prolonged transaction timelines risk discouraging buyers and sellers alike and ultimately result in deals falling through.