UK Housing Market Downturn Eases in June Survey

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reported on July 9, 2026, that the downturn in the United Kingdom housing market eased during June. New buyer inquiries rose to -29%, marking the least negative reading since February, and near-term sales expectations improved to -16%. Despite these gains, the pipeline for future homes remains constrained, as new property instructions fell to -23%, the weakest level in over a year.

Surveyors project modest house price increases of 8% over the coming year. The rental market continues to outperform the sales market; tenant demand reached its highest level since May 2025, while landlord instructions remained negative at -18%. These conditions are expected to drive rental growth of 2.5%.

Tarrant Parsons, head of market and analysis at RICS, noted that market activity remains fragile. He attributed the subdued environment to ongoing uncertainties surrounding inflation, borrowing costs, domestic political shifts, and geopolitical conflicts, including the war involving Iran.