The UK property market has recorded 282,000 new listings in the first eight weeks of 2026, representing a 1% increase on 2025 and 20% above the 2017-19 average, according to data from the UK Property Market Stats show for the week ending 1 March 2026.
However, the data reveals 48% of properties that left estate agents’ books in February were withdrawn unsold, a trend attributed to overvaluation and extended sole agency agreements of 20 weeks or longer.
Sales activity shows mixed picture
Gross sales year-to-date reached 194,000 homes sold subject to contract, down 6% on 2025 but 11% higher than 2024 and 19% above pre-pandemic norms. Net sales, which account for fall-throughs, totalled 150,000, representing a 4% decline on 2025 but 11% ahead of 2024 and 16% above the 2017-19 average.
Weekly sales activity showed 26,600 homes sold subject to contract in week eight, up from 26,200 the previous week and above the 10-year average of 25,700 for this period.
Regional performance varies significantly
Comparing January and February 2026 with the same period in 2024, 10 of 12 UK regions recorded increased sales activity. The East Midlands led with a 12.2% rise, followed by Wales at 10.2% and East Anglia at 8.7%. The West Midlands increased 6.6%, while Scotland and the South West both rose 5.4%.
London bucked the trend with a 5.9% decline, while Northern Ireland recorded the largest fall at 8.6%.
Price reductions increase
The market recorded 20,900 price reductions in week eight, up from 19,800 the previous week. In February, 11.4% of residential properties for sale had their prices reduced, compared to 12% in February 2025 and 11.5% in February 2024.
New listings reached 36,800 properties in week eight, slightly up from 36,400 the previous week, compared to a 2025 weekly average of 30,600.
The data indicates a market characterised by increased supply and regional variation, with withdrawal rates suggesting pricing strategies remain a significant challenge for vendors and agents in early 2026.
