A market showing intent, but still testing patience
The residential property market entered 2026 on steadier ground, with early indicators pointing to renewed intent from both buyers and sellers. Landmark Information Group’s latest Q1 2026 Residential Property Trends Report shows that pent up supply began returning to the market following the pause in activity seen around the Autumn Budget in late 2025. Listing volumes rose across England and Wales, signaling growing confidence to move, even as broader economic pressures persist.
However, this uplift in early stage activity has yet to convert into completed transactions. Affordability constraints, cost of living pressures and process friction continue to slow progression through the conveyancing pipeline. In England and Wales, listing volumes increased year on year, but Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) activity fell compared with Q1 2025, while completion volumes were significantly lower. This reflects both ongoing buyer caution and the distortion created by the unusually high level of activity ahead of the Stamp Duty Land Tax changes in March last year.
Search activity remained broadly flat, indicating that while appetite to move exists, buyers are taking a more measured approach to decision making. Increased choice, combined with uncertainty around interest rates and household costs, is extending transaction timelines and reinforcing a buyer led market dynamic.
For conveyancers, this environment places greater emphasis on certainty, transparency and efficient progression through the transaction process. Converting early momentum into completions will depend not only on market confidence but on reducing delays and improving the overall client experience. As activity continues to build at the top of the funnel, improving speed and reliability across the transaction lifecycle remains critical to supporting sustainable recovery through the remainder of 2026.