The UK property market gained momentum in January, with new instruction volumes and listing prices both rising compared to previous years, signalling renewed confidence among landlords and property investors, according to analysis by eXp UK.
The estate agency platform examined market data covering the first 14 days of 2026, comparing both instruction volumes and property prices with historic trends.
New instructions coming to market between 1 January and 14 January rose 11.13% compared to the same period in 2024. The average price per square foot for these listings climbed 6.12% versus the same point last year, suggesting landlords feel more confident pricing investment properties higher.
For buy-to-let investors, the uptick in both volume and pricing reflects improving market conditions following months of uncertainty. The data indicates landlords are becoming more willing to bring rental properties to market, whether for sale or new lettings.
eXp UK itself recorded more pronounced growth, with new instruction volumes jumping 54.2% in the first 14 days of 2026 compared to the opening fortnight of 2024. The business continues to cement its position as the UK's leading self-employed estate agency platform.
"We're already seeing early signs of a strong start to the year for the housing market and this aligns with what many agents were already reporting on the ground in the immediate wake of last November's Autumn Budget and the removal of widespread market uncertainty," said Adam Day, head of eXp UK and Europe.
"Momentum has clearly begun to return to the UK market, with sellers feeling more confident about bringing their homes to market, and at a higher price. While it is still early days, this renewed momentum provides a positive platform for the months ahead and, for agents, it reinforces the importance of being well positioned to capitalise on improving market conditions."
