The UK Property Market in 2026: Insights from Industry Experts
The UK Property Market in 2026: Insights from Industry Experts
As we move into 2026, the UK property market faces a mix of stability, political uncertainty, changing affordability, and renewed borrower confidence. To help make sense of what the year may hold, we’ve gathered insights from leading industry experts: Ed Mead, Viewber Co-Founder; ‘arch statman’ Chris Watkin; mortgage guru Andrew Montlake from Coreco; and all-round “been there, done that” expert Peter Rollings.
In this article, they share their predictions on UK property prices, mortgage trends, landlord challenges, and market activity, providing a comprehensive look at what buyers, sellers, and investors can expect in 2026. Have a read and share your thoughts – opinions are very welcome.
UK Property Market 2026: Political & Economic Outlook
Ed Mead – Co-Founder & Director at Viewber, Property Technology Expert, Speaker & Consultant
2025 was, unfortunately, characterised by uncertainty and incompetence. Pre-Budget leaks meant no one could really plan and the event itself indulged the back bench PLP and laid no foundations at all for the property market, or wider economy, to thrive.
2026 could, and hopefully will, be the year stability returns, but with interest rates, and therefore mortgage rates, likely to stay high and growth weak I fear we’ll see landlords getting out of the market just at the time supply is needed in the PRS, leading to rising rents which will, in turn, drive the ever left leaning government to think about even more damaging legislation, like rent controls that have proved so unhelpful in Scotland.
UK Property Market Trends 2026: Prices, Activity & Demand
Christopher Watkin – Property Stats Ghostwriter/Journalist for UK Estate & Letting Agents
The UK property market has moved through three remarkably consistent years. In 2023, 824,665 homes went under offer, rising to 958,239 in 2024 and 997,472 in 2025. Completions followed the same pattern. Average prices barely changed and the cost per square foot figure stayed broadly steady. This shows that the mix of what is selling has shifted more than the value of the average home. The true measure of market health is not the average price. It is how many homes are selling, and activity has risen sharply.
What is striking is the stability of values through this period. The shape of the market has changed, but prices have not meaningfully climbed. More smaller homes and more higher value homes both influence the cost per square foot number, yet the overall picture remains level. The market has been driven more by confidence, affordability, and renewed demand than by any pressure on prices.
Several forces sit behind this. Falling mortgage rates have brought back buyers who paused during the rate peaks of 2023. Wage growth above inflation has improved affordability. Unemployment remains close to long term lows, which gives households the confidence needed to commit to major purchases. Lifestyle shifts that began after the pandemic are still influencing decisions, with many buyers prioritising space, flexibility, and quality of life. The country also faces a long-term supply shortage. The UK needs about 300,000 new homes a year yet has delivered roughly 210,000 a year over the past thirty years. This creates strong underlying demand.
Speed also matters. Of the homes that do sell, 53% find a buyer within 35 days and 71% within 63 days. My research with TwentyEA found that homes which secure a buyer within 25 days have a 94% chance of reaching completion. If agreement comes after 100 days, the chance falls to 56%.
The message is simple. Realistically price your listings, present them well, and you will have a great 2026 as an Estate Agent.
Landlord Trends & Market Confidence in the UK Property Market 2026
Peter Rollings – Real Estate Entrepreneur, Strategic Advisor, Ex-Foxtons MD, Growth & Business Consultant
I’d be reasonably positive about the UK property market for the next 12 months. With the uncertainties of the budget out of the way and lower interest rates on the horizon I think many people will want to get on with their lives. Much has been made of the increased council tax on more expensive properties; however, this doesn’t come to play until 2028 and even then, are people at this level really going to put their lives on hold for the sake of a few thousand pounds? I don’t think so.
The (yet more) increase in taxes on landlords are unwelcome and may lead to more landlords exiting the market which will have the unintended(?) consequences of reducing supply and increasing prices. H
However, for estate agents, the Renters Rights Act, which will come into force in May next year will encourage more private landlords to pass the headaches on to professional organisations.
UK Mortgage Market 2026: Rates, Products & Opportunities
Andrew Montlake – CEO, Mortgage Industry Advocate, AMI Chairman & Brand Evangelist at Coreco Mortgage Brokers
Looking forward into my crystal ball is always fraught with danger, but I do feel more optimistic about the New Year than I perhaps have been for a while, even with the challenging headwinds that continue to swirl around us.
From a mortgage market perspective, with inflation settling once more and the view very much being one of a subdued economy, there is every reason to believe the latest view of the money markets that SWAP rates will continue to idly sit around their current levels for some time. This gives mortgage lenders something they like, pricing stability. Consequently, we should see one or two further rate cuts in the New Year which will allow most lenders to consistently price rate starting with a 3, possibly dropping below the 3.5% mark. First-time buyers will now find the monthly mortgage payments looking rather favourable compared to the ever-increasing rents.
Whilst this does not signal a return to the ultra-low rates of the past, far from it, this stability at rates that for many homebuyers will be affordable is key to welcoming in more borrowers. Added to this is the greater flexibility lenders now have around income multiples and affordability, which has seen lenders offer 5.5, 6 and even 7 times income for the right buyer. We are seeing much more innovation from lenders now, 100% mortgages, low-start mortgages, flexible long-term fixes and a new tech-focussed lenders like Generation Home who offer something really different.
All in all, 2026 is gearing up to be the year that lenders flex their competitive muscle once more, with more choice available now than there has been in many a year. Those that may think they are not ready to buy, or can’t for various reasons, should be speaking to a broker early to see the sheer range of mortgage products available. There really is something for everyone, whether you have a low deposit, are self-employed, contracting, have a credit blip or looking for a jumbo-sized loan, lenders are hungry.
As buyers come back to the market, and even professional landlords are once again out looking for deals, there seems little doubt that house price inflation will once again flow back into the market, as house-building itself continues to stutter. For those who were waiting for rates to drop further, the little saving there may be dwarfed by higher house prices in the future, so the canny buyer may well see the first part of 2026 as the time to crack on.
Final Thoughts: The UK Property Market in 2026
In 2026, the UK property market will be shaped by stability, buyer confidence, and ongoing economic and political pressures. While prices may stay steady, activity, mortgage accessibility, and landlord behaviour will always drive the market.
Estate agents need to focus, as usual, on well-priced, well-presented properties, while buyers can take advantage of stable rates and innovative mortgage options. Landlords must navigate new legislation and tax changes carefully, with professional guidance recommended.
Overall, 2026 offers opportunities for those ready to act strategically and stay informed, making it a year for cautious optimism in the UK property market.
