The UK's property market is showing signs of renewed activity, with the available stock of homes for sale climbing to its highest level in more than eight years, according to the latest research from property portal Zoopla.
Market Sees Significant Stock Increase
The average estate agent began January with 32 properties on their books, marking the highest starting inventory recorded by Zoopla since its research series began in 2018. This represents a notable shift from the constrained supply seen in recent years.
The growth in available housing is not evenly spread across the country. London is experiencing the most dramatic surge, with a 16% increase in homes for sale compared to the same period last year. The South East follows closely behind, showing a 9% rise in available stock.
A Mix of New and Returning Listings
Zoopla clarified that not all this fresh inventory is completely new to the market. The portal noted that approximately 33% of the current listings were originally marketed in 2025. Sellers are returning to the market as some of the financial uncertainty that previously held them back begins to dissipate.
Richard Donnell, a director at Zoopla, interprets this growth as a positive signal. "Growing numbers of homes for sale is evidence of a strong underlying appetite to move home for many households," he stated. "Across much of southern England, there is a much greater choice of homes for sale."
Pricing Correctly is Paramount in a Cautious Market
The increased choice for buyers creates a more price-sensitive environment. Donnell emphasised that achieving a successful sale now heavily depends on setting a competitive asking price from the outset to attract early interest.
"Homes priced too high often take longer to sell and risk achieving a lower price," he warned. His advice to homeowners is clear: price carefully and seek professional agent advice to plan the right sales strategy. While the market in the rest of the country still shows some scarcity, sellers everywhere must remain realistic.
Donnell characterised the current climate as "stable rather than booming." Buyers are active but extremely careful, making correct initial pricing crucial. Well-presented, realistically priced homes continue to sell, while those priced optimistically face longer marketing times and potential price reductions.
Financial Markets Update
In related financial news, the FTSE 100 index opened slightly lower, down 0.15%, as commodity prices retreated. Copper, nickel, tin, and gold prices all fell this morning, although gold remained above $4,600 per ounce.
Oil prices bucked the trend, edging higher due to ongoing investor concerns about supply risks. Brent crude rose by 0.2% to $63.92 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate also increased by 0.2% to $59.37 a barrel.
