Buyers Have More Choice This Spring — But Preparation Still Matters
As we move through May 2026, the property market feels noticeably calmer than it has in recent years. The urgency that once pushed buyers into quick decisions has eased, but that does not mean activity has slowed to a stop. Instead, the market is beginning to feel more balanced — and for many buyers, that is a positive shift.
One of the biggest changes this spring is the amount of stock available. According to Rightmove, the number of homes currently on the market is at its highest level for this time of year in more than a decade, while Zoopla reports buyers now have the widest choice of properties seen in the last eight years.
More available homes naturally changes buyer behaviour. Rather than feeling pressured to secure a property immediately, buyers are taking more time to compare options, assess value properly, and think carefully about what best suits both their lifestyle and budget. After several years of highly competitive conditions, many households are welcoming the opportunity to move at a more considered pace.
That said, buyers still need to remain proactive. While demand has softened compared with last year, committed movers are still active. Rightmove’s latest figures show that new buyer demand in April sat 7% below the same period in 2025, yet agreed sales were only 3% behind, suggesting serious buyers are continuing to move forward with confidence.
Mortgage rates continue to play a major role in decision-making. Average two-year fixed rates increased to 5.42% in April, compared with 4.25% before recent global economic pressures, adding an estimated £235 per month to a typical mortgage repayment. At the same time, the Bank of England has maintained the base rate at 3.75% and signalled that inflationary pressures are likely to remain in the short term due to higher energy costs.
Despite this, there are still encouraging signs within the market. Earnings growth has continued to outpace asking price growth in some areas, helping affordability slightly at the margins, while first-time buyer demand has remained more resilient than many expected given borrowing costs.
Overall, the current market feels steady rather than dramatic. Official ONS data shows UK house prices rose by 1.2% in the year to February 2026, taking the average UK property value to £268,000. It is a market that is still moving forward — simply at a more sustainable and measured pace.
For buyers, the message is straightforward: preparation matters. Increased choice means there is more opportunity to find the right home, but well-presented and sensibly priced properties are still attracting strong interest. Understanding your budget early, speaking with a mortgage adviser, and remaining flexible in your expectations can make all the difference when the right property comes to market.
May is traditionally a time when moving plans begin to feel more immediate. Families start planning around the summer months, first-time buyers revisit their finances, and many people who paused earlier in the year return to the market with renewed focus. In this type of late spring market, confidence comes not from rushing, but from being well prepared.
If you are thinking about moving within the next 6–12 months and would like to stay informed about upcoming homes locally, get in touch with us to join our Heads Up Property Alerts — giving you early access to selected properties before they officially launch to the market.
