The housing market remained active but cautious in the second quarter of 2026, with buyers hesitant to commit, industry data suggests.

Landmark Information Group’s research suggests listing volumes are only slightly down on a year ago, while demand has been rising towards the end of the quarter.

The report highlights that annual comparisons are skewed by the Stamp Duty rush that ended in March 2025.

The housing market is now instead tackling geopolitical tensions, political uncertainty in the UK and higher mortgage rates.

Despite this, Landmark suggests interested buyers and sellers continue to enter the market, however, many are taking longer to commit as affordability and global uncertainty influence decision making.

As a result, transactions are at more subdued levels and progressing at a slower pace.

Steady supply

The data shows that supply remained steady throughout April to June this year, with listing volumes across England and Wales only 1% lower than the same period a year ago.

When compared with April 2025, the number of listings were up 1%, while volumes ended just 3% below June 2025 levels.

Sellers are increasingly having to reduce their asking prices to compete for buyers’ attention.”

Sold subject to contract volumes were down 7% annually but June recorded the strongest month of 2026 so far for new conveyancing instructions, suggesting demand could be back on the rise, Landmark says.

In Scotland, listing volumes from April to June were down 9% annually and sold subject t o missives (SSTM) volumes fell 6% compared with a year ago.

Meanwhile, completion volumes from April to June were up 23% compared with the same period a year ago, but this is attributed to last year’s Stamp Duty rush and the subsequent slowdown.

Buyers’ market

Ben Robinson, managing director of Landmark Estate Agency Services, Landmark Information Group, says: ”Supply has remained resilient throughout the second quarter, with listing volumes only marginally below last year’s levels and healthy stock levels continuing to provide buyers with plenty of choice.

“The issue isn’t a shortage of properties coming to market. Instead, sellers are increasingly having to reduce their asking prices to compete for buyers’ attention.

“Encouragingly, buyer demand strengthened as the quarter progressed, demonstrating that people still want to move. However, with greater choice available and wider affordability pressures continuing to influence decisions, buyers are taking longer to commit before agreeing a purchase.”