The Property Market Isn't Slow – It's Just Different in 2026
Buyers are still active, with mortgage approvals at a 15-month high and over 1.1 million moves expected this year. The key change is choice, making pricing and presentation more important than ever. Read our blog to find out more...
If you've been reading the headlines recently, you could be forgiven for thinking the housing market has ground to a halt.
The reality is quite different.
The latest figures from the Bank of England show mortgage approvals have risen to 65,945 - the highest level seen in 15 months. Buyers are still securing mortgages and progressing with purchases despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
At the same time, Zoopla expects around 1.18 million property transactions to take place during 2026. That's a huge number of people moving house and demonstrates that demand remains remarkably resilient.
So why are some homeowners finding it harder to sell?
The answer is simple: buyers have more choice.
Zoopla reports that increased stock levels are giving purchasers greater negotiating power than they enjoyed a few years ago. Buyers are no longer rushing into decisions and are spending more time comparing properties before making offers.
This means pricing has become more important than ever.
A property launched at the right price will often generate strong interest during the first few weeks on the market. A property launched too high risks becoming stale and may ultimately achieve less than if it had been priced correctly from the outset.
What's particularly interesting is that many analysts still expect modest house price growth during 2026. Rightmove is forecasting average asking prices to increase by 2%, while Zoopla predicts average values will rise by 1.5%.
The message for homeowners is clear.
People are still moving.
Mortgages are still being approved.
Homes are still selling.
The market simply requires a more strategic approach than it did a few years ago.
For sellers, realistic pricing, professional marketing and strong presentation are now more important than ever before.
Thinking of Selling?
If you're planning a move and want to understand what your home could achieve - and how to approach it strategically - we'd love to help.
📩 Get in touch for a no-obligation valuation.
