by furqanResidential Property Trends Report : Q1 2026The UK residential property market began 2026 on a relatively stable note, although elevated supply levels and persistent economic uncertainty continued to restrain buyer demand and slow down the pace of transactions, according to Landmark Information Group’s latest Residential Property Trends Report.
The report indicates that conditions across England and Wales remain favorable for buyers, with high levels of available stock giving them greater choice and stronger negotiating power. While the market has shown signs of stability, overall momentum remains subdued due to ongoing affordability challenges.
The data reflects a market still readjusting after the disruption caused by uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget in late 2025. Many buyers and sellers had postponed decisions at the end of last year, and although activity has picked up slightly in early 2026, this appears to be driven more by the return of previously delayed supply rather than a significant revival in demand.
High Supply Remains a Key Feature : Listing volumes rose by 3% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with January recording a notable 6% increase compared to the same period last year. This rebound in supply has resulted in consistently high stock levels, giving buyers more options and reinforcing a buyer-friendly market.
Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) activity was 8% lower than Q1 2025, largely due to the strong surge seen ahead of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) deadline in March 2025. However, the underlying trend is showing gradual improvement, with the year-on-year gap narrowing from 25% in November 2025 to just 7% by March 2026.Search order volumes remained slightly subdued, averaging 1% lower than Q1 2025, suggesting buyers are adopting a more cautious and deliberate approach amid expected interest rate changes and cost-of-living pressures.
Mortgage valuation activity increased by 6% overall in Q1 2026, but this growth was primarily driven by remortgaging rather than new purchases. Remortgage offers rose sharply by 28% in February, while purchase offers declined by 4%, highlighting the cautious sentiment among prospective buyers.
Scotland Shows Greater Resilience In contrast, the Scottish housing market continues to perform more strongly, benefiting from a better balance between supply and demand and a more efficient transaction process.
Expert Comments
Simon Brown, CEO of Landmark Information Group, said:
“The data shows a resilient but cautious market where global pressures and affordability constraints continue to influence buyer behavior. While activity is building at the early stages, it is not yet converting consistently into completed transactions. Ben Robinson, Managing Director of Landmark Estate Agency Services, added:
“The rebound in supply during Q1, particularly the strong uplift in January, indicates that many sellers had simply delayed their plans rather than withdrawn from the market. While this has increased choice for buyers, it also reflects a market that is still adjusting to recent economic uncertainties.”
