UK Residential Market Survey, December 2025 (published 13th January 2026).
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.
Activity levels remain subdued for now, but forward-looking metrics turn noticeably more positive
New buyer enquiries and agreed sales indicators still in slightly negative territory.
Aggregate house prices continue to display marginally negative momentum.
Both near-term and twelve-month sales expectations turn significantly more positive.
The December 2025 RICS UK Residential Market Survey reveals that market activity remains subdued, with both buyer demand and agreed sales continuing to register negative readings. However, there are encouraging signs of a shift in sentiment, as respondents express greater optimism around the outlook for sales, both over the near-term and for the year ahead. This improved confidence appears to be underpinned by expectations of further monetary policy easing, alongside the removal of Budget-related uncertainty which had weighed on the market in recent months.
Navah Consulting’s view
For clients across Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire, current market conditions mean that accuracy, clarity and due diligence matter more than ever. With buyers more cautious and pricing under greater scrutiny, small differences in condition, presentation and risk can have a meaningful impact on value, negotiations and timescales.
We are seeing increased reliance on RICS Home Surveys (Level 2 and Level 3) to support purchasing decisions, particularly where properties are older, extended, or have potential issues relating to energy efficiency, roofing, damp or heating systems. Clear identification of risks at an early stage is helping clients avoid unexpected costs and strengthening their position when negotiating.
Similarly, demand for independent RICS Valuations remains strong, as lenders, buyers and legal advisers seek defensible, evidence-based advice in a price-sensitive market. Realistic valuation advice is proving essential for vendors who want to achieve a sale without prolonged marketing or late-stage price adjustments.
Overall, the current environment reinforces the importance of informed decision-making. Our role is to provide clear, practical advice that reflects market realities, supports negotiations and helps clients proceed with confidence, whether buying, selling or refinancing.
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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