UK Residential Market Survey, September 2026 (published 06 October 2026).
Macroeconomic headwinds weigh on the near-term outlook, with interest rate expectations moving higher in recent weeks
Buyer demand remains subdued, while near-term sales expectations have edged back into marginally negative territory
House prices continue to face modest downward pressure at the headline level
Twelve-month expectations for both market activity and house prices are now broadly flat
The August 2026 RICS UK Residential Market Survey results continue to portray a relatively challenging backdrop, with activity indicators still in negative territory, albeit gradually moving off the lows recorded earlier in the year. At the same time, the macroeconomic environment remains difficult, with recent changes in interest rate expectations likely to prove unhelpful for any budding recovery across the sales market. Nevertheless, forward-looking sentiment points to a more stable picture emerging for activity in the near term, while respondents foresee a slight improvement in sales volumes over the year ahead.
What is the UK Residential Market Survey?
The September 2026 RICS UK Residential Market Survey feedback suggests that the recent rise in interest rate expectations has stalled the previous run of slightly less negative results, with measures of buyer demand and sales activity turning marginally weaker over the month. That said, despite this setback, the latest readings remain less downbeat than the lows recorded earlier in the year. Looking ahead, while the near-term outlook appears to have become a little more pessimistic, the twelve-month view remains that the market will stabilise further ahead.
Navah Consulting’s View
The market remains subdued, with buyer demand and agreed sales weakening slightly during September. House prices continue to face modest downward pressure, while the outlook over the next 12 months is now broadly flat.
Across East Anglia and the South East, buyers remain cautious and increasingly price sensitive. Correctly priced homes continue to attract interest, while ambitious asking prices and properties requiring significant works are likely to face greater negotiation. In these conditions, understanding both a property’s condition and its market value is increasingly important.
At Navah Consulting, we support buyers, sellers and property owners with clear, independent advice through:
RICS Red Book Valuations (sale, purchase, probate, shared ownership and Help to Buy)
Our Home Surveys can also be combined with an independent Market Valuation, helping buyers understand not only the condition of the property, but whether the price being paid is supported by current market evidence.
As RICS-qualified surveyors based in Bishop’s Stortford, we assist clients across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and surrounding areas, including Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Mountfitchet, Cambridge, Hertford, Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Chelmsford and Saffron Walden.
If you are buying a property or require an independent valuation, please get in touch.
Navah Consulting – Surveying Made Simple.
