Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Buyers Cautious as Housing Supply Holds Steady
The UK housing market remained active but cautious in the second quarter of 2026, with buyers showing hesitancy to commit, according to industry data reported by The Negotiator. Landmark Information Group’s research indicates that while listing volumes across England and Wales were only 1% lower than the same period a year ago, buyers are taking longer to make decisions, resulting in subdued transaction levels and slower progress.
The report notes that annual comparisons are affected by the Stamp Duty rush that ended in March 2025. Since then, the market has faced challenges from geopolitical tensions, political uncertainty in the UK, and higher mortgage rates. Despite these factors, both buyers and sellers continue to enter the market, but affordability and global uncertainty are influencing their willingness to commit.
From April to June 2026, supply remained steady, with listing volumes up 1% compared to April 2025 and ending just 3% below June 2025 levels. Sellers are increasingly reducing asking prices to attract buyers. Sold subject to contract volumes were down 7% annually, but June 2026 saw the strongest month so far for new conveyancing instructions, suggesting a possible rise in demand.
In Scotland, listing volumes from April to June were down 9% annually, and sold subject to missives (SSTM) volumes fell 6% compared to a year ago. Completion volumes in Scotland were up 23% year-on-year, a figure attributed to the previous year’s Stamp Duty rush and subsequent slowdown.
For letting agents and inventory clerks, the report highlights a market with steady stock levels but slower-moving transactions. Sellers are adjusting prices to compete, and buyers are taking more time to commit, reflecting ongoing affordability pressures and uncertainty.
Source: The Negotiator