UK Residential Market Survey, April 2026 (published 14th May 2026).
Higher mortgage rates continue to dampen buyer demand
Sales market activity indicators remain firmly negative
Headline house prices continue to see moderate downward pressure
Forward-looking sentiment points to a subdued picture over the months ahead
The April 2026 RICS Residential Market Survey results continue to reflect a challenging global macroeconomic backdrop, with the associated rise in interest rate expectations weighing on buyer demand. Moreover, near-term sentiment indicators suggest that these subdued conditions are set to persist over the coming months, while the outlook for the year ahead has softened noticeably.
What is the UK Residential Market Survey?
The UK Residential Market Survey is used by the government, the Bank of England and other key institutions, including the IMF, as an indicator of current and future conditions in UK residential sales and lettings. It is covered extensively in the media and is the leading source of market intelligence, highly regarded both by investors and across the industry.
Navah Consulting’s View
The latest RICS update broadly reflects what we are continuing to see across Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
Buyer demand has not disappeared, but transactions are often taking longer to progress as purchasers remain more selective and increasingly conscious of affordability pressures. Higher borrowing costs are clearly influencing decision-making, particularly for buyers operating at the upper end of their budgets.
Well-presented and sensibly priced properties continue to attract interest, particularly in desirable locations, but properties that are overpriced, require significant modernisation, or present uncertainty around condition are typically seeing slower levels of activity.
This is also continuing to drive demand for both Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, as buyers seek greater clarity before committing to purchases. We are also seeing Red Book valuation instructions remain steady, particularly where pricing can vary significantly between property types, locations and individual streets.
Whilst the wider market remains subdued in the short term, realistically priced homes continue to transact. For buyers and sellers alike, clear advice, sensible pricing expectations and proper due diligence remain increasingly important in the current market.
At Navah Consulting, we continue to support buyers, sellers and investors with clear, independent advice through:
• RICS Home Survey Level 2 & Level 3
• RICS Red Book Valuations (sale, purchase, probate, shared ownership, Help to Buy)
• Reinstatement Cost Assessments
As RICS-qualified surveyors based in Bishop’s Stortford, we are well placed to assist clients across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and the surrounding areas. Key areas include Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Mountfitchet, Cambridge, Hertford, Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Chelmsford and Saffron Walden.
If you are considering buying, selling or simply require professional guidance, please feel free to get in touch, our team will be happy to help.
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