Housing Insight Report: May 2026
While we have seen a slight dip in prospective buyer registrations, stock levels have edged upwards, giving consumers more choice and helping to create a more balanced sales market. Although tenant demand increased throughout May, available stock fell slightly, leaving an average of eight applicants competing for every available property.
Residential sales
The average number of new prospective buyers registered per member branch decreased to 64 during
Stock levels showed a marginal increase with an overall average of 44 properties for sale at each member branch.
Residential lettings
The magnitude of member agents reporting problems with arrears showed a slight decrease at 2.1%.
The average number of properties available for rent at each member branch dropped slightly to 12.09 per member branch.
Phil Spencer, Founder of Move iQ
“For buyers and renters alike, this month’s figures paint a picture of a market that’s becoming steadier but is still far from straightforward. Buyers have a little more choice than they had earlier in the year; however, affordability continues to shape decisions, with many households carefully weighing up their finances before making a move.
“The fact that homes are taking longer to complete and most are selling below asking price suggests there is room for sensible negotiation, particularly for buyers who are well prepared with their finances in place. That’s encouraging news for those entering the market, especially first-time buyers who are beginning to see more opportunities.
“For renters, however, competition remains intense. With only around 12 properties available per letting branch and demand continuing to outstrip supply, securing a suitable home remains challenging. While rent increases appear to be stabilising in many areas, the underlying shortage of rental homes means many tenants are still facing limited choice and strong competition whenever a property becomes
available.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO Of Propertymark, Comments:
“May’s figures demonstrate a housing market that continues to show resilience despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. While we have seen a slight dip in prospective buyer registrations, stock levels have edged upwards, giving consumers more choice and helping to create a more balanced sales market.
“The Bank of England maintaining the base rate has provided a degree of stability, but affordability remains a significant challenge for many households, with buyers continuing to take a cautious approach. This is reflected in properties typically achieving below the asking price and transactions continuing to take more than 17 weeks to progress from offer acceptance to exchange.
“In the lettings sector, the long-standing imbalance between supply and demand remains firmly in place. Although tenant demand increased during May, available stock fell slightly, leaving an average of eight applicants competing for every available property. While rental arrears have eased marginally, ongoing legislative change and continued pressure on landlords risk limiting future investment in the private rented sector at a time when more homes are urgently needed.”
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