The UK property market remains under close watch following confirmation from Prime Minister Andy Burnham that there will be no changes to stamp duty in this year’s Budget. Despite widespread speculation and ongoing calls for reform, the government has made it clear that altering or abolishing the tax is not currently on the agenda.

One of the biggest talking points this week has been the 11% week-on-week drop in sales agreed and a drop of 2% on the average asking price of a newly listed properties. While some seasonal softening is entirely normal during the summer holiday period, the scale of this fall has caught the attention of the property industry.

The UK property market has entered 2026 with a powerful statement, as investment into the build-to-rent (BTR) sector reaches an impressive £3 billion in just the first half of the year. This marks the second-strongest start to any year on record, reinforcing the continued confidence investors have in the UK rental market.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable shift as major lenders begin reducing mortgage rates, signalling a change in momentum after a period of uncertainty. With swap rates easing and lenders keen to attract business, the landscape is becoming increasingly favourable but also more complex for buyers and homeowners. What can this mean for you?