After a subdued end to 2025, the first quarter of 2026 has quietly rebuilt confidence in the housing market. March may be the strategic launch point sellers have been waiting for.

As the Bank of England prepares for its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, uncertainty continues to ripple through the UK housing market. New research reveals a divided outlook among homeowners regarding where mortgage rates are headed over the next 12 months , showing how unpredictable the current financial climate has become.

The latest developments in borrowing costs have undoubtedly introduced a new layer of caution into the UK housing market. However, while headlines may suggest uncertainty, the reality on the ground tells a more balanced story—one of resilience, adaptation, and continued opportunity.

The UK housing market continues to evolve, and recent data reveals a significant shift in how homes are owned and occupied across the country. According to new research by Savills, the UK’s private rented sector (PRS) recorded its largest decline this century in 2025, falling by £48 billion in value as many buy-to-let landlords exited the market.