The UK housing market continued to shift in favour of buyers throughout May, as transaction levels softened slightly and supply continued to outweigh demand in many areas. While headlines may focus on small percentage changes, the underlying story is far more significant.

The Bank of England is widely expected to hold interest rates at 3.75% when policymakers announce their latest decision on Thursday 30 July. While this may appear to signal stability on the surface, there are a number of underlying factors creating a more complex and uncertain outlook.

Summer is traditionally a quieter period for the UK property market, with school holidays, family commitments and overseas travel often causing buyers and sellers to put their plans on hold. This year, however, prolonged hot weather appears to have added to the seasonal slowdown.

With the abolition of Section 21 under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords, tenants, and property professionals alike are facing a major shift in how possession of rental properties is handled. Those who have relied on previously served Section 21 notices must act immediately—or risk losing their ability to use them altogether.