Sellers have been returning to the market in force with an 89% jump in the number of new homes listed for sale since the start of the year, according to research from Barrows and Forrester.

The estate and lettings agent says the surge in homeseller activity demonstrates a reversal of the negative impact of last September’s mini-Budget, which was followed by a 46% drop in new stock levels between November and January.

But with stability returning to the market and prices holding firm, the most recent analysis showed more than 87,000 homes have been listed for sale across Britain in the last 14 days. This represents an 89% increase on the 46,092 homes that entered the market in January.

There are now more homes on the market than in November last year. This promising picture is mirrored across the regions, with every area experiencing a substantial increase.

The biggest uplift is in Scotland which has seen a 228% increase in homes for sale in the last two weeks compared to the start of the year. Similar rises have been recorded across the north of England, including 156% in the North West, 154% in the North East and 148% in Yorkshire and the Humber. London completes the top five ranking with a 121% increase in available stock levels.

Even the area with the smallest increase, the East of England, had a 64% boost.

The new figures are higher than November’s totals in every region but London, with Barrows and Forrester saying this suggests last year’s post-Budget downturn is now behind us.

Barrows and Forrester managing director, James Forrester, says: “Following the shambles that was last September’s mini-Budget, many sellers put their plans on hold as uncertainty enveloped the property sector. This led to the level of stock reaching the market across Britain falling by almost half and only added fuel to the fire of a potential downturn.

“However, we’re yet to see this downturn materialise where any notable decline in house prices is concerned and with stability returning to the market, it’s clear that it’s business as usual in 2023. Sellers are acting with a renewed level of confidence and pushing ahead with their sale, resulting in a considerable increase in available stock across the board.”