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UK Starts 2026 With Most Early‑January Homes for Sale Since 2018

Relisted stock concentrated in London and the South East is widening buyer choice, cooling price pressures.

Overview

  • Zoopla reports the average estate agent now has 32 homes for sale, the highest early‑January level in its data back to 2018.
  • London shows the largest rise in listings, up about 16% year on year, with the South East also higher as regional dynamics diverge.
  • Roughly 33% of properties on the market were previously listed in 2025 after late‑year activity slowed during Budget tax uncertainty.
  • Buyer enquiries have rebounded, up 20% versus early 2023, though still about 10% below the strong start to 2025, indicating fragile demand.
  • Zoopla urges realistic pricing to attract cautious buyers, while Knight Frank expects around 3% UK house price growth in 2026.