The UK residential property market recorded its least negative readings in several months during January 2026, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Residential Market Survey, though overall activity levels remain subdued.
The net balance for new buyer enquiries rose to -15% in January, compared with -21% in December and -29% in November. Agreed sales reached -9%, marking the least negative result since June 2025.
Price movements stabilise
National house prices showed signs of stabilisation, with the net balance for price movements over the past three months improving to -10%, up from -19% in October 2025. Despite the improvement, the figures indicate prices continue to face downward pressure.
Regional performance varied significantly. Scotland and Northern Ireland reported the strongest price growth, with positive momentum also recorded in the North West and North of England. London, the South East, South West and East Anglia remained below the national average, reflecting affordability constraints in these markets.
Forward-looking sentiment strengthens
Expectations for sales over the next three months stood at a net balance of +4%, while twelve-month sales expectations rose to +35%, the highest level since December 2024. Price expectations showed a net balance of +43% anticipating increases over the year ahead, the strongest reading since February 2025.
In the lettings sector, tenant demand increased over the three months to January following two quarters of flat or negative readings. Landlord instructions remained in negative territory, suggesting continued upward pressure on rents.
RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn said: “There are early signs that market conditions may be improving after a challenging period, although activity levels are still subdued, meaning any recovery is likely to be gradual. While the strengthening twelve-month outlook is encouraging, near-term expectations remain relatively soft, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainty.”
Rubinsohn added that sustained momentum would depend on the trajectory of mortgage rates and broader macroeconomic confidence in the coming months.
The January survey data suggests the market may be entering an early recovery phase, though affordability pressures, economic uncertainty and regional differences continue to affect performance across the UK.
