Housing Insight Report: April 2026
Despite wider economic uncertainty and inflation remaining above target, the housing market continues to demonstrate resilience. Within the rental market, demand continues to significantly outstrip available supply.
Sales
1. In April 2026, stock levels showed a marginal increase with an overall average of 43 properties for
sale at each member branch.
2. The average number of market appraisals conducted per member branch in April 2026 stood at 22.
Lettings
1. The average number of properties available for rent at each member branch grew slightly to 12.65 per member branch in April 2026
2. The average void period reported by member agents was 3 weeks in April 2026.
Nathan Emerson – CEO Propertymark comments:
“Despite wider economic uncertainty and inflation remaining above target, the housing market continues to demonstrate resilience. While viewing levels softened during April, buyer registrations and sales agreed remained broadly stable, suggesting that committed purchasers are still actively progressing transactions.
“It’s encouraging to see new sales instructions and overall stock levels increase, providing buyers with greater choice. However, affordability challenges remain a key consideration, particularly as higher borrowing costs continue to influence budgets and purchasing decisions. With a significant proportion of transactions still taking more than 17 weeks to reach exchange, there remains a clear need for continued improvements to the home buying and selling process.
“Within the rental market, demand continues to significantly outstrip available supply. Although stock levels improved slightly during April, there are still around seven applicants competing for every available property. Policymakers must remain focused on measures that encourage investment and support the supply of homes across all tenures if long-term affordability and accessibility are to improve.”
You May Also Enjoy
House price growth remained subdued in July
Rent hikes and tighter tenant checks as landlord costs climb
North-South divide for time to move as Londoners see longest wait
Dispelling the top five biggest letting agent myths
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates at 3.75%
