The UK's property market is showing signs of renewed activity, with the available stock of homes for sale climbing to its highest point in more than eight years, according to fresh data from the property portal Zoopla.
Market Choice Expands, Especially in the South
Zoopla's research, which dates back to 2018, reveals that the average estate agent began January with 32 properties on their books. This marks the highest starting level for the year in their records. The growth in available housing is not evenly spread, however. London has seen the most significant increase, with a 16% rise in homes for sale compared to the same period last year. The South East follows closely behind with a 9% increase.
It is important to note that not every listing is entirely fresh to the market. Zoopla clarified that approximately 33% of the current stock was initially listed in 2025. Sellers are returning to the market as some of the uncertainty that previously surrounded the budget begins to dissipate.
Realistic Pricing is Key to a Sale
Richard Donnell, a director at Zoopla, interprets this growth as evidence of a strengthening underlying appetite to move home. "Growing numbers of homes for sale is evidence of a strong underlying appetite to move home for many households," he stated.
He emphasised that while buyers in southern England now enjoy much greater choice, they remain highly price-sensitive. "Achieving the best result depends on setting a competitive asking price and attracting early interest," Donnell advised. Homes priced too optimistically often linger on the market and risk eventually selling for a lower price after reductions. He urged homeowners to price carefully and seek agent advice to plan the right sales strategy.
For the rest of the country, where available stock can be scarcer, sellers are still cautioned to remain realistic. Donnell characterised the current climate as "stable rather than booming," with buyers being active but careful. Well-presented and accurately priced homes continue to sell, while overpriced properties face a longer wait.
Wider Market Movements
In other financial news this morning, the FTSE 100 index slipped by 0.15% as commodity markets pulled back. Prices for copper, nickel, tin, and gold were all down, though gold remained above $4,600 per ounce.
Oil prices edged higher, however, with Brent crude rising 0.2% to $63.92 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate increasing by the same margin to $59.37. This slight rise comes as investors continue to weigh supply risks, even after the US indicated it would hold off on attacks against Iran.
Later today, market attention will turn to US industrial production and manufacturing output statistics, due at 2.15pm GMT.
