The UK’s buy-to-let sector has been under sustained pressure in recent years, but fresh data suggests that while landlords continue to leave the market, the pace of this so-called “exodus” may finally be beginning to ease. This shift is worth paying close attention to as it signals changing sentiment among investors and rise of new opportunities.

For many buyers and sellers across the UK, the excitement of agreeing a sale is quickly followed by a frustrating reality: the long wait to completion. It’s a question we hear time and time again—why does buying a home take so long? And perhaps more importantly, who is actually responsible? Data suggests one of the main factors is conveyancing.

More households are reassessing space in early 2026. If your home feels tighter than it once did, this spring may offer the right conditions to move up.

Larger estate agencies are often the most visible. Their boards are dotted across neighbourhoods, their branding is familiar, and their presence—both online and on the high street—can feel reassuring. There’s a perception that if an agent has more listings, they must be doing something right.