UK Housing Market Update: More Homes for Sale as Market Activity Picks Up

The UK housing market is showing renewed activity, with more homes coming to market and buyer activity gradually improving.

However, while confidence is returning, the market remains competitive, with important implications for homeowners considering selling.

Recent reports show that around 6% more homes are currently on the market than at this time last year.

This increase in supply suggests that more sellers feel ready to move, particularly after a slower period driven by higher mortgage rates and affordability concerns.

At the same time, average house price growth remains modest. Annual increases are sitting at roughly 1–2% in many areas, with some regions performing more strongly than others.

Northern England and Scotland are seeing steadier demand, while parts of London and the South continue to face slower growth.

Another notable shift is affordability. In some parts of the country, buying a home is becoming more cost-effective than renting, particularly as rents have remained high. This has helped bring more buyers back into the market, but they are cautious and price-sensitive.

What This Means for Sellers

More homes for sale means more competition. Buyers now have a greater choice, which can lead to longer selling times and more price negotiation.

For sellers using the traditional estate agent route, this could mean:

• Extended time on the market

• Price reductions to attract offers

• Risk of property chains collapsing

• Ongoing mortgage and household costs while waiting to sell

In a market where supply is increasing but growth is modest, certainty can be just as important as price.

Key Housing Market Trends 

Buyer Demand Remains Subdued

Industry surveys suggest that while demand has improved, fewer buyers are making firm offers compared to previous years. Many households are still waiting for greater financial certainty before committing to a purchase.

Sales Activity has Weakened

Agreed sales and new buyer enquiries have fluctuated in recent months, reflecting ongoing caution from both buyers and sellers. This means transactions can take longer to progress from listing to completion.

House Price Growth is Modest

Although prices have largely stabilised, significant increases are not widespread. Growth varies regionally, with affordable areas generally outperforming higher-priced markets.

Affordability Remains Tough

First-time buyers continue to face challenges due to lending criteria, deposit requirements and the relationship between income and property prices. These pressures influence overall market momentum.

ONS Data Shows Welsh Homes Rising Faster Than UK Average

One notable exception to modest growth has been Wales.

Property prices in Wales increased at a stronger pace than the UK average last year, with certain areas recording growth of up to 7%.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that average house prices in Wales rose by 5% in the 12 months to December 2025, compared with a 2.4% increase across the UK overall.

This means Welsh growth was more than double the national average.

Blaenau Gwent and Anglesey were among the strongest-performing areas, posting some of the largest annual rises. In contrast, average property values dipped slightly in Ceredigion and Merthyr Tydfil.

Experts suggest this reflects continued demand for more affordable locations, as buyers prioritise value for money. Even so, higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on parts of the wider UK market.

A Faster Alternative

For homeowners who want to avoid the uncertainty of a competitive open market, there is another option.

Quick Sell Your House offers a quicker, more predictable way to sell. Instead of waiting for viewings, negotiations and chain progression, you can receive a no-obligation cash offer and complete in a timescale that suits you, sometimes in as little as three days. We buy houses across the UK and can give you a guaranteed cash offer.

This route may be particularly suitable if you are:

• Relocating for work

• Facing financial pressure

• Managing an inherited property

• Going through a separation

• Looking for certainty over completion dates

By removing estate agent delays and chain risks, a direct cash sale can provide clarity in a market that remains sensitive to economic shifts.

If speed and security are your priorities, exploring an alternative sale method could help you move forward with confidence.