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UK Housing: Sales Stock Rises, Rental Properties Decline in May 2026

The UK housing market saw an increase in properties available for sale in May 2026, while the rental sector experienced a further reduction in available homes.

  • Sales stock increased to 44 properties per branch in May 2026.
  • Rental properties declined to 12.09 per branch during the same period.
  • 84% of properties sold below the asking price in May.

Data for May 2026 indicates a rise in available properties for sale across the UK, reaching an average of 44 per branch. This marks a slight increase from 43 properties per branch in April.

Conversely, the rental market saw a further contraction in supply, with an average of 12.09 rental properties per branch, down from 12.65 in April. This decline occurred as tenant registrations increased, leading to an average of eight applicants competing for each available rental property.

In the sales market, prospective buyer registrations fell to 64 per branch in May, down from 78 in April. The data also shows that 84% of properties sold below their asking price during the month.

Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, noted that the figures demonstrate a resilient housing market despite economic uncertainty. He added that affordability remains a significant challenge for many households.

What this means for you: If you are looking to buy, there may be more properties available, but most are selling below asking price. If you are looking to rent, there are fewer properties available and increased competition.

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