2026 starts with most homes for sale in over 8 years Buyer demand rebounds in line with 2024, but 10% down on last year
New analysis from Zoopla, one of the UK's leading property websites, reveals the scale of the early rebound in sales market activity over the first two weeks of January and what this means for buyers and sellers planning a home move in 2026.
Most homes for sale at start of the year for 8 years
The stock of homes for sale has increased over recent years, highlighting a continued desire amongst homeowners to move home. 2026 started with the average agent having 32 homes for sale, the highest level in early January since 2018. However, not all these homes are brand new to the market. 33% were previously listed in 2025 and have been brought back to market following the uncertainty that reduced market activity over the final quarter of 2025.
London and South East register most homes for sale compared to a year ago
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.
More supply is boosting choice for home buyers and keeping price inflation in check across southern England where prices are lower by up to 1% in the last year. Across other regions of the UK, supply is broadly the same as last year which is generating a degree of scarcity. This is supporting price inflation with house prices higher by up to 3% in the North West.
Buyer demand rebounds but falls 10% short of strong start to 2025
More homes for sale mean more buyers looking to secure a sale and move home in 2026. Zoopla's latest data shows a strong rebound in buyer demand post Christmas which is in line with previous years and tracking in line with the early weeks of 2024.
The rebound in demand to date is tracking 10% behind the very strong start to 2025 when the ending of stamp duty reliefs and lower mortgage rates provided additional stimulus to the level of demand for homes. However, buyer demand at the start of 2026 is over 20% ahead of the start to 2023 and the pre-pandemic years (2017-2019) showing a sustainable increase in demand that Zoopla expects to increase further in the coming week. This will support continued growth in housing sales over 2026.
Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla comments: "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.
"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."
