More than 21,000 property owners in England and Wales have been identified as potentially facing pressure to sell their homes in the near future, according to research by estate agent network EXP.
The analysis, conducted using property intelligence platform Galim AI, highlights what the company describes as a “growing pool of off-market property opportunities” before these properties reach traditional marketing channels.
London dominates potential sales
London accounts for the largest share of potential sellers, with 13,105 homeowners representing £7.1 billion in residential stock. Of these, just over 4,100 have low-cost mortgage deals expiring in 2025, while 1,759 landlords own properties that currently fall below the required EPC standard ahead of the 2030 deadline. A further 7,218 homeowners were flagged due to other financial issues.
Manchester ranks second with 2,188 homeowners identified as being under pressure. More than two-thirds of these – 1,517 – are homeowners whose fixed-rate mortgage deals are ending, with a further 664 landlords facing EPC upgrade requirements.
The estimated value of these potential off-market opportunities exceeds £9 billion across the 10 cities analysed in the research.
Technology enabling early identification
Adam Day, Head of EXP UK and Europe, said the research provides insight into where housing supply could emerge before reaching the open market. “Historically, agents have only become involved once that decision has already been made,” he said. “Increasingly, however, technology is allowing us to identify potential sellers much earlier, creating opportunities to have meaningful conversations before a property ever reaches the market.”
The use of AI and data analytics in property transactions reflects broader technological shifts in the sector, as firms seek to identify opportunities ahead of traditional market mechanisms.
The findings come as sales stock levels fluctuate across the UK market, with landlords facing increasing regulatory pressures including EPC requirements and changing tax treatments.
Day acknowledged that not every homeowner identified in the research will decide to sell, but suggested the data indicates where future housing supply may emerge. The research focused on three main pressure points: expiring low-cost mortgages, EPC compliance requirements for landlords, and other financial indicators.
