Property is selling fast

Property is selling fast

Newly-marketed properties are being snapped up fast, with Rightmove reporting that 22% of deals are agreed within the first week of being listed.

This is more than double what was seen at the same time in 2019 and reflects the continued large disparity between supply and demand in the market.

Over 60% of agents in the latest Dataloft subscriber poll reported that properties were selling, on average, after 4 viewings or less.

With momentum in the market high, close to 2 in every 5 properties (39%) are selling at over the asking price (NAEA). Source: Dataloft Inform, Rightmove, NAEA


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There's no getting around the fact that April has been an unusual month to try to read the property market. The ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East — higher energy prices, inflation concerns, rising mortgage rates — have introduced a level of uncertainty that nobody was anticipating at the start of the year.

The rental market remains active in May 2026, but conditions are changing. Demand is still strong, rent growth has eased, and tenant expectations are rising. Here is what landlords should be thinking about now.

More homes are competing for buyer attention, so sellers need more than a hopeful asking price. A smart launch, realistic valuation and strong presentation can help attract serious interest.

For tenants, April is a useful point to pause and plan. With rents still rising across the UK and the first phase of rental reform approaching in England, this is a good time to review your budget, renewal options and next move.