52% of buyers are cash purchasers – and they’re ready to move
New research from LRG reveals that sellers entering the spring market are meeting an unusually large pool of cash-ready buyers, many of whom aren’t constrained by affordability, but by a lack of suitable homes.
According to LRG’s Spring 2026 Sales Report, based on a survey of 307 buyers and sellers across England and Wales, more than half (52%) of active buyers are cash purchasers. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Zoopla estimating that around a quarter of all property transactions are typically completed without a mortgage.
Of those buyers who do require financing, 81% have already secured an Agreement in Principle, underlining just how prepared today’s market is. Nearly six in ten expect to complete a move within six months, with 31% aiming to do so within three.
For sellers questioning whether now is the right time to list, the data sends a clear signal: buyers are active, motivated and ready to proceed. The primary challenge for buyers heading into 2026 is not financial, 40% cite finding the right property as their biggest hurdle. Other concerns include selling an existing home (32%), the risk of transactions falling through (31%), Stamp Duty costs (30%) and the cost of living (23%).
This dynamic presents a significant opportunity for sellers, particularly those with family homes, properties in strong school catchments, or well-connected locations where demand remains strongest. There is also notable demand from downsizers and retirees, key segments of today’s cash buyer market, seeking well-presented, manageable homes in desirable areas.
In a market where buyers have greater choice, the properties attracting the strongest interest are those priced correctly from the outset and presented to a high standard.
Affordability is also shifting in buyers’ favour. Data from Rightmove shows that average earnings are now rising faster than house prices, with wages increasing by 3.9% annually as of April. This improving affordability landscape is supporting both buyer confidence and seller opportunity.
Neil Louth, Chief Executive Officer of The Acorn Group, part of LRG, said: “What stands out from our research is just how prepared today’s buyers are. More than half don’t need a mortgage at all, and of those who do, the vast majority have already secured their financing. These are serious, committed movers.
“A large proportion of these cash buyers are people who have built up significant equity over the years, often downsizers or those approaching retirement. For sellers with well-presented properties suited to that market, whether that’s a quality apartment, a manageable home in a desirable location or a property near good amenities, the opportunity is real.
“The biggest hurdle for most buyers isn’t affordability; it’s finding the right property, and for sellers, that should be encouraging. The demand is real, the motivation is personal, and buyers are ready to act when the right home comes along.
“Buyers have a genuine choice this spring, which makes pricing realistically from day one more important than ever. Sellers who get that right are in a strong position to attract serious, motivated offers.”
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