A perfect storm is brewing in the UK property market as a widening gap between buyer demand and seller activity starts to take its toll. New research suggests that nearly six in ten estate agents believe the market has weakened over the past year, with many struggling to convert viewings into sales.
According to a GetAgent survey of more than 300 agents, 53% describe the market as weaker now compared to a year ago, while just 20% say conditions have improved. Meanwhile, seller activity appears relatively robust, with nearly half (48%) of agents reporting an improvement in the quality of seller leads.
However, the contrast is stark when it comes to buyer engagement. A significant majority (58%) of agents report a decline in the quality of buyer leads entering the market, while just 15% say lead quality has improved. This suggests that buyers are increasingly hesitant or unable to secure property purchases.
The survey's findings come at a critical time for industry stakeholders pushing for stamp duty reform to stimulate market activity. A total of 30% of agents cited generating motivated buyer leads as their primary concern, while 25% said converting viewings into offers was their main challenge.
Despite these challenges, 87% of agents are investing in their businesses to navigate current market conditions – with technology and AI tools proving the most popular area of investment. GetAgent Co-Founder and Chief Executive Colby Short noted that agents remain cautious about the second half of 2026, with 43% expecting market conditions to remain broadly unchanged.