Spring Seller Surge Pushes Transactions Above 100,000 Mark
New data for February 2026 reveals that 102,410 residential property transactions took place across England and Wales, up from 96,940 in January. The boost in seller activity, typical of a seasonally relevant period, has kept house prices somewhat in check.
New data from Rightmove reveals a sales boost, as homeowners return to the market to sell. This increase in sales volume will likely be due to a combination of improved market conditions and changes in people’s lifestyles, and it’s no surprise that sales activity tends to peak in the spring. But selling over 100,000 properties in one month is more than just a seasonal blip.
However, this seasonal “relief” is unlikely to prove to be more than a short term correction, and any subsequent rebound in housing market prices could be faster than many anticipate. It seems likely that a host of demand side factors could quickly reverse any potential slowdown, including rises in mortgage rates or falls in mortgage approval levels.
The National Housing Bank (NHFB) coming into the market around the same time might also have an effect on market balance by facilitating large-scale housing delivery that should help in addressing the supply bottleneck over a period of time. However, its impact is likely to be felt only in the months to come.
A solid price increase was also seen in the rental market in March. Home buyers looking for a new home in coming months will want to pay attention to this market's direction as well.
Practical Takeaways for Buyers:
- Capitalise on the spring new listings surge to re-open dialogue with sellers, bargain for better pricing or terms given the increased number of sellers in the market.
- Tracking mortgage approvals - whilst the overall volume of approvals is rising, increasingly tougher lending criteria could stop this rise in its tracks and offset any positive supply changes.
- Look for National Housing Bank (NHB) actions as a precursor to supply side easing measures that could ease some of the pressure off housing prices.
- Keep an eye on the rental market, as changes may be an indicator of future demand for buying properties.
This spring’s upswing in sales is only one chapter in the ongoing book of real estate history. What happens as buyers navigate the evolving financing landscape and new initiatives into 2026 will prove to be more significant than anything that occurred this spring.
