2026 Housing Market: More Moves, Steady Prices

2026 is shaping up to be quite the year in the housing market!

According to Zoopla’s latest House Price Index, we're looking at the strongest year for home sales in three years, with a delightful nine per cent increase in home moves over 2025. It seems the property party is back on, and everyone’s invited!

Thanks to stable mortgage rates and a boost in household incomes, more people are packing boxes and moving homes. We're on track for a whopping 1.2 million transactions in 2025, a figure that’s as comforting as a warm cuppa on a rainy day. However, while the number of moves is on the up, house price growth is taking a more leisurely stroll. Average UK house prices have only nudged up by 1.1 per cent, a tad slower than the 1.9 per cent hike last year.

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The north-south divide is still playing its part, with the North West and Northern Ireland seeing the fastest price rises, while London and southern England are experiencing a bit of a chill. But fear not, as first-time buyers are stepping up, making up 39 per cent of sales in 2025. They’re the new movers and shakers, even if they’re opting for more budget-friendly homes.

Looking ahead, Zoopla forecasts a 1.5 per cent rise in average house prices over 2026, with a bustling start to the year as buyers bounce back post-budget. The north-south divide in price growth is expected to persist, but with plenty of homes on the market, buyers will have a smorgasbord of choices. Sellers, keep those prices realistic to seal the deal!

So, whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines, 2026 promises to be an exciting year in the property world. Cheers to more moves and steady growth!

Want to hear more? Join Mal & Matt on the Property AI Report Podcast each week!

Access from your preferred podcast provider by clicking here

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