Recent property market data reveals a disconnect between negative headlines and actual transaction levels across the UK, according to analysis of week 42 statistics for 2026.
Despite widespread concerns about market conditions, the data shows 30,300 new listings came to market in week 42, whilst 22,100 homes achieved sold subject to contract status. Year-to-date figures indicate 1.501 million new listings, representing a 0.2% decline compared to 2025 but remaining 9.1% higher than 2023 levels.
Transaction volumes hold steady
The market has recorded 1.011 million homes sold subject to contract year-to-date, which is 7.5% lower than 2025 but 10.7% higher than 2023. Net sales, accounting for fall-throughs, stand at 778,000 properties, down 6.5% on last year but 13.8% ahead of 2023 figures.
September data shows 86,800 exchanges completed, with 73,800 withdrawals during the same period. This means 54% of properties leaving agents’ books exchanged and completed, compared to a seven-year average of 57.6%.
Pricing pressures persist
Price reductions affected 23,600 properties in week 42, with 14.7% of homes for sale reduced in September, up from 11.1% in August. The year-to-date average of 13% exceeds the six-year long-term average of 10.9%.
The gap between initial asking prices and agreed sale prices stood at 17.5% in week 42, with average listing prices at £418,000 compared to £356,000 for agreed sales. This aligns with the 10-year average range of 16% to 17%.
The sell-through rate reached 14.7% in September, compared to the pre-Covid average of 15.5%. Fall-through rates remain close to historical norms at 24.7%, marginally above the decade average of 24.5%.
Rental market dynamics
Rental data shows average rents at £1,763 per calendar month year-to-date in 2026, with October figures affected by student lettings in university cities. Available rental stock stood at 299,000 properties on 1st October 2026, up from 295,000 in September 2025.
New rental properties coming to market in September 2026 totalled 127,000, compared to 123,000 in September 2025 and 101,000 in September 2022. These figures come as landlords navigate evolving compliance requirements.
House prices measured per square foot averaged £338.98 for September agreed sales, representing a 0.2% increase on 12 months prior and 13.7% higher than five years ago. This metric correlates with HM Land Registry data at 98% accuracy, five months in advance.
Market outlook
Stock levels have increased to 764,000 homes on 1st October 2026, up from 752,000 in October 2025 and 722,000 in October 2024. The rise in inventory comes amid ongoing challenges in mortgage market conditions.
The data suggests the UK property market continues to function despite negative sentiment, with transaction volumes remaining above 2023 levels and pricing dynamics broadly consistent with historical patterns. However, year-on-year comparisons show modest declines in activity compared to 2025, indicating a market operating below peak capacity whilst maintaining steady underlying demand.
