What More Choice Means for Buyers This Spring
Buyers have more choice this spring, but affordability and preparation still matter. Our latest blog explores what today’s balanced market means for anyone planning a move in 2026.
As we move through May 2026, the property market feels calmer than it has in recent years, but that does not mean things have slowed down.
In fact, one of the biggest shifts this spring is that buyers now have more choice.
Rightmove reports that the number of homes for sale is at an eleven-year high for this time of year, while Zoopla suggests buyers have more options than at any point in the last eight years. After a period where stock was limited and competition was intense, this is a noticeable change.
A more considered market
With more properties available, buyers are no longer feeling the same pressure to rush decisions. Instead, they can take time to compare homes, assess value and think more carefully about what suits their lifestyle and budget.
For many, that is a welcome shift.
However, this is not a market where you can afford to wait too long. While demand has eased slightly, serious buyers are still moving.
Rightmove’s latest data shows:
- New buyer demand in April was 7% lower than the same time last year
- Agreed sales were only 3% down
This suggests that while fewer people are entering the market, those who are ready to move are still doing so.
Mortgage costs still matter
Affordability continues to play a key role in decision-making.
The average two-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 5.42% in April, up from 4.25% earlier in the year. For many buyers, that has added around £235 per month to a typical mortgage.
At the same time, the Bank of England has held the Bank Rate at 3.75%, with ongoing pressure from inflation, particularly linked to energy costs.
Despite this, there are some encouraging signs:
- Average earnings are up 3.9% year on year
- Asking prices have dipped slightly, down 0.9% annually
- First-time buyer demand remains relatively steady
Together, this is helping affordability, albeit gradually.
A steadier pace of growth
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show UK house prices rose by 1.2% in the year to February 2026, taking the average property price to £268,000. This reflects a market that is still moving forward, just at a more measured pace.
What this means if you are buying
This is a market that rewards preparation.
More choice gives you the opportunity to be selective, but well-priced homes will still attract attention. The buyers who succeed are the ones who are ready to act when the right property comes along.
If you are planning a move, it is worth:
- Understanding your budget in detail
- Speaking to a mortgage adviser early
- Keeping some flexibility in your expectations
Looking ahead
May is often when moving plans start to take shape. Families begin planning for summer, first-time buyers revisit their finances, and those who paused earlier in the year return to the market.
In this kind of environment, confidence comes from being prepared, not from rushing.
If you are thinking about moving in the next 6 to 12 months and want to stay local, get in touch and we can send you a link to our Heads Up Property Alerts, giving you early access to homes before they reach the market.