This month is on observe to see the very best variety of properties being freshly listed on the market in February for a decade, in line with a property web site.
Zoopla has recorded 6% extra properties on the market within the 4 weeks to February 15 in contrast with the identical interval in 2025.
Mixed with falling mortgage charges, the market is presently wanting notably good for first-time consumers, the web site mentioned.
It mentioned the surge in properties on the market will enhance alternative for consumers and assist hold worth will increase in verify this yr.
Many lenders have additionally made modifications to their standards, permitting some folks to borrow extra.
The variety of gross sales being agreed has elevated sharply, however stays under the “very sturdy begin” to 2025, the report mentioned.
Gross sales are presently working on the fourth strongest February degree previously decade, though there are fewer consumers out there than a yr in the past.
Zoopla estimated 40% of properties presently on the market on its web site are cheaper to purchase with a mortgage than the price of renting domestically, assuming somebody has a 20% deposit to place down, which is an enchancment in contrast with 25% final yr. Folks’s particular person circumstances will fluctuate.
Home costs elevated by 1.3% within the 12 months to January, Zoopla mentioned, starting from an 8.0% rise in Northern Eire to a 0.2% fall in London.
Inside Britain, the North West of England was recognized because the strongest-performing area, with costs up 3.3% yearly, adopted by Scotland (2.8%) and the North East (2.5%).
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In Wales, home costs elevated by 2.2% yearly.
The areas with larger worth development are extra inexpensive and have fewer properties on the market than a yr in the past, limiting purchaser alternative and supporting worth development, Zoopla mentioned.
Taking a look at southern England, the place affordability is extra stretched, the report mentioned: “Sellers in southern England who’re planning to maneuver this yr might want to worth realistically to safe a well timed sale and may issue this into the provide they make on their subsequent buy.”
Zoopla’s home worth index makes use of bought costs, mortgage valuations and knowledge for agreed gross sales to make calculations.
Richard Donnell, government director at Zoopla, mentioned: “Regardless of improved ranges of market exercise, subdued home worth inflation is sweet information for consumers and sellers and represents a extra steady market. Extra sellers placing their dwelling available on the market reveals a robust want to maneuver dwelling.
“Decrease mortgage charges and improved affordability of mortgages means now may very effectively be one of the best time to purchase a house lately, particularly for first-time consumers with extra properties that can be purchased for lower than the price of renting.
“We count on continued modest charges of worth inflation over 2026, which can assist wholesome ranges of gross sales with some large variations throughout native markets. Sellers want to hunt the recommendation of native brokers to get the best technique for his or her dwelling.”
David Fell, lead analyst at property agency Hamptons mentioned: “With the benefit of not having a house to promote, first-time consumers have typically been favoured by sellers above others making gives at an analogous degree.
“This has allowed first-time consumers to barter tougher than they’ve beforehand. In February, a fifth had been capable of safe a reduction of 10% or extra from the asking worth.”
Nigel Bishop, founder of shopping for company Recoco Property Search, mentioned: “While costs have seen a delicate enhance, the uplift in properties on the market will enable extra consumers to carry the higher hand throughout worth negotiations.”
Tom Invoice, head of UK residential analysis at Knight Frank, mentioned: “Home costs are being stored in verify by rising provide as plans delayed by final yr’s finances are activated and extra landlords try to promote because of pink tape.
“Patrons are extra circumspect than sellers however additional mortgage charge declines and more and more life like asking costs will assist transactions this spring.”
Alastair Douglas, TotallyMoney chief government mentioned: “Falling mortage charges and extra properties available on the market is sweet information for individuals who can get on the housing ladder. However for thousands and thousands of younger folks, the issue isn’t the speed – it’s getting a mortgage within the first place.”
Nathan Emerson, chief government of property professionals physique Propertymark, mentioned: “With inflation dipping down earlier this month, it’s hoped the Financial institution of England might have the boldness to convey the bottom charge down additional once they subsequent meet.”
Jen Lloyd, head of mortgage merchandise and propositions at Skipton Constructing Society, mentioned: “Extra properties coming onto the market offers folks taking their first step on the ladder better alternative, and helps create a more healthy, extra accessible housing marketplace for folks taking their first step onto the ladder.
“At Skipton, we’re already seeing this renewed confidence mirrored in our personal knowledge. Functions from first‑time consumers in January 2026 had been up 42% in contrast with the identical interval final yr, displaying that extra persons are feeling prepared, and in a position, to make their transfer.
“With elevated provide and enhancing market circumstances, 2026 is shaping as much as be a much more encouraging yr for these attempting to purchase their first dwelling.”
Listed here are annual worth modifications, in line with Zoopla:
Northern Eire, 8.0%
North West, 3.3%
Scotland, 2.8%
North East, 2.5%
Wales, 2.2%
Yorkshire and the Humber, 2.1%
West Midlands, 2.0%
East Midlands, 1.0%
Japanese England, 0.6%
South West, 0.0%
South East, minus 0.1%
London, minus 0.2%.
