The first two weeks of January have seen the highest number of homes for sale at the start of the year for the last eight years, analysis by Zoopla shows.

It found there were an average of 32 homes listed for sale per estate agency branch, the most recorded for any corresponding period since January 2018.

However, not all these homes are brand new to the market, Zoopla says.

In fact, 33% were previously listed in 2025 and have been brought back to market following the uncertainty that reduced market activity over the final quarter of last year.

London and South East saw the biggest uplift in home listings compared to a year ago, up by 16% and 9% respectively. 

Southern regions with higher house prices were the most impacted by Budget uncertainty, which stalled sales in the final months of last year meaning more homes carried over into 2026. 

The data also shows a strong rebound in post-Christmas buyer demand, which is in line with previous years and similar to the early weeks of 2024. 

Zoopla executive director Richard Donnell says: “After a sluggish end to 2025 it is positive to see a strong rebound in buyer demand over the first weeks of the year across all parts of the country. 

“Growing numbers of homes for sale is evidence of a strong underlying appetite to move home for many households.  

“Market conditions vary widely across the UK and sellers looking to move home in 2026 need to take this into account.

“Across much of southern England, there is a much greater choice of homes for sale. 

“Buyers are price-sensitive and have more choice, so achieving the best result depends on setting a competitive asking price and attracting early interest. 

“Homes priced too high often take longer to sell and at the risk of achieving a lower price.”

Donnell adds: “Across the rest of the country there is a degree of scarcity, but sellers need to remain realistic over pricing. 

“The market is stable rather than booming.”