The UK housing market is poised for its most robust performance in over a decade, with new data revealing a significant surge in the number of homes available for sale. Industry experts are now heralding 2026 as potentially the best year for property since the financial crisis of 2008.
Record Stock Levels Signal Renewed Confidence
Fresh research from Zoopla indicates that the average estate agent now has 32 properties on their books. This marks the highest level recorded for early January since 2018 and represents the greatest total stock of homes for sale in more than eight years.
The growth is not uniform across the country, with a clear north-south divide emerging. London has experienced the most dramatic increase, with available housing stock soaring by 16% compared to last year. The South East follows closely behind, registering a healthy 9% rise in properties coming to market.
This influx is partly driven by sellers who had previously held back. The data shows that 33% of current listings were originally marketed in 2025, suggesting that uncertainty, particularly around the Budget, has now faded, encouraging vendors to return.
Expert Insight: A Market of Choice and Caution
Richard Donnell, a director at Zoopla, commented on the findings. "Growing numbers of homes for sale is evidence of a strong underlying appetite to move home for many households," he said.
He noted that buyers in southern England now have significantly more choice, making correct pricing paramount. "Buyers are price-sensitive and have more choice, so achieving the best result depends on setting a competitive asking price and attracting early interest," Donnell advised. He warned that overpriced homes risk longer selling times and ultimately lower final prices, urging homeowners to seek professional agent advice.
For the rest of the UK, the market dynamic differs slightly. "Across the rest of the country there is a degree of scarcity, but sellers need to remain realistic overpricing. The market is stable rather than booming," Donnell explained, emphasising that correctly priced, well-presented homes continue to sell to active but careful buyers.
2026: The Dawn of a New 'Normal'
The optimistic outlook is echoed by other property professionals. Chris Barry, Director at London-based Thomas Legal, stated unequivocally that 2026 could be the best year for property since 2008.
"The market is shaping up for its best 'normal' year since the financial crisis," Barry said. "Whilst stock levels have been growing for some time now, this has been largely due to a decline in buyers driven by the gap in affordability and economic or political uncertainty."
He pointed to several key factors driving the positive shift: mortgage rates have decreased to levels considered reasonable and in line with long-term averages, credit is more accessible, and there are no major predicted economic or political shocks causing hesitation.
Barry also highlighted a specific trend in the capital: "London particularly is seeing a new wave of foreign buyers as the UK is considered safer than most from war, potential war or political uncertainty." This international demand is providing additional support to the London market's recovery.
The consensus is clear: after years of turbulence, the UK property market is entering a period of stable, opportunity-driven activity. For sellers, the message is to price competitively. For buyers, particularly in the south, greater choice awaits—making 2026 a landmark year in the post-crisis housing landscape.
