Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Zoopla Index Shows Buyer Searches Up, But Sales Still Lag Behind 2025

Zoopla’s latest House Price Index indicates a 7% year-on-year increase in buyer searches over the past four weeks, despite households being able to borrow 9% less than at the start of 2026. However, sales agreed remain 6% below last year’s level, although Zoopla notes that the gap is starting to narrow as mortgage rates stabilise.

The report highlights a recovery in buyer activity following a quieter summer period. Increased buyer searches have been observed across every region, suggesting renewed interest in the UK housing market. Despite this, affordability remains a key constraint, with higher mortgage rates reducing buying power for many households.

Zoopla’s data also points to more homes being available for sale, giving buyers greater choice and helping to keep price growth in check. The regional picture remains mixed, indicating that market conditions vary across the country.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the report suggests that local expertise will be important this autumn, as buyers assess what they can realistically afford and sellers are encouraged to price their homes appropriately. The return of demand is seen as encouraging, but affordability challenges continue to be the biggest barrier to a full market recovery.