Prospective buyer registrations dip as stock levels edge up in May – Propertymark
There were an average of 64 new prospective buyers registered per member branch.
There were an average of 64 new prospective buyers registered per member branch, according to Propertymark’s Housing Insight Report for May 2026.
The average number of properties for sale at each branch was 44.
There was a 2.1% decrease in member agents reporting problems with arrears.
For lettings, the average number of properties available to rent at each branch was 12.09.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: “May’s figures demonstrate a housing market that continues to show resilience despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
“While we have seen a slight dip in prospective buyer registrations, stock levels have edged upwards, giving consumers more choice and helping to create a more balanced sales market.
“The Bank of England maintaining the base rate has provided a degree of stability, but affordability remains a significant challenge for many households, with buyers continuing to take a cautious approach.”
Emerson added: “This is reflected in properties typically achieving below the asking price and transactions continuing to take more than 17 weeks to progress from offer acceptance to exchange.
“In the lettings sector, the long-standing imbalance between supply and demand remains firmly in place.
“Although tenant demand increased during May, available stock fell slightly, leaving an average of eight applicants competing for every available property.”
He said: “While rental arrears have eased marginally, ongoing legislative change and continued pressure on landlords risk limiting future investment in the private rented sector at a time when more homes are urgently needed.”
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