According to the latest figures, house price growth saw a downturn preceding the anticipated Autumn Budget. Current forecasts suggest that this could slow further as 2026 continues. Figures from Halifax demonstrate an unexpected 0.6% dip in overall house prices in December. However, overall market reporting says that the housing market has remained ‘resilient’ throughout 2025.
Where Does This Leave Sellers?
Despite a general resilience in the market, a slump in growth means many sellers need to reduce prices in order to attract buyers. There’s also a more concerning trend emerging. Evidence suggests more sellers are now pulling their listings entirely, holding out for a better market later down the line. This trend suggests seller hesitancy, as well as a general uncertainty around market conditions. The exact reasons for this trend remain nuanced, as we will look at in this post.
Deciding to sell a property is a big decision. So, when sellers choose to delist, this prompts even bigger questions for the property market. Whilst official figures on ‘delisting’ are difficult to access, reporting supports this increase.
One set of research from October 2025 found that around 6.2% of total properties on the market saw their prices reduced within the first 30 days of being on the market. This research indicates key motivations for delisting, as well as showing the struggle to secure a sale.
Takeaways For The Current Market
These figures indicate a mismatch between seller expectations and market demand. The Autumn budget and mortgage rate fluctuations have brought on broader economic uncertainty. The result is both sellers and buyers have been put off participating in the market in this current climate. For sellers, holding out for better market conditions and delaying their move seems a more attractive option than decreasing prices.
However, some sellers may not have the option to delay selling. For example, chain pressure, divorce, or a need for urgent relocation may mean sellers need to sell up. This means many can’t wait for improved market conditions or for the potential of long chains falling through.
The prospect of months on the market, followed by the possibility of price reductions, is not as appealing as a guaranteed sale for these sellers. This has seen another trend in the market, with online cash house buyers seeing a rise. These platforms have emerged in recent years, acting as an alternative to traditional methods. For those who value speed and certainty, a guaranteed sale and quick cash can be seen as an attractive route.
Looking Towards 2026
Despite these emerging trends, the ‘resilience’ of 2025 is now thought to continue into 2026. House Price growth is expected to range between 2 to 4% in 2026. Experts indicate that recently announced changes to property taxes will likely bring little impact to the market. Additionally, recent work by financial information service Moneyfacts argues that the mortgage market will be ‘booming’ in 2026. They cite greater choice in deals, which especially helps out first time buyers. This could mean sellers who have previously delisted may return to the market, though the reality for 2026 remains unknown.
