UK housing market shows strong rebound with 6% more homes for sale

Zoopla reports the UK housing market began 2026 with a strong rebound, noting about 6% more homes for sale than a year earlier and February was on course for its highest number of new listings in a decade.

Zoopla says the UK housing market has started 2026 with a strong rebound, as more sellers are bringing homes to the market. The site reported February was on course for its highest number of new listings in any February in a decade. The finding follows comments from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors that there are "tentative signs" the market may be turning after a challenging period. Zoopla attributed the shift to the lowest mortgage rates in four years and improved access to mortgages, particularly for first-time buyers. Key facts: - Zoopla reports there are about 6% more homes for sale than a year ago and expects listings to rise further in coming months. - February was on track to be the strongest February for new listings on Zoopla in a decade, the site said. - Halifax and Nationwide each recorded small monthly house price rises in January, at about 0.7% and 0.3% respectively. - Moneyfacts reported first-time buyers have the widest choice of low-deposit mortgages for at least 18 years. - Zoopla said 40% of UK homes are now cheaper to buy than rent because of lower mortgage rates and looser affordability rules, and Alastair Douglas of TotallyMoney noted that many young people still face deposit and student loan hurdles. Summary: Rising supply and lower mortgage rates are increasing choice for some buyers and are expected by Zoopla to help keep house price growth in check this year. Economists have broadly predicted growth in 2026, but access to mortgages and saving for a deposit remain constraints for many. Undetermined at this time.