Fresh figures from Propertymark show encouraging signs of activity in the UK housing market but industry leaders have warned that systemic inefficiencies and a shortage of supply risk undermining fragile progress.
According to Propertymark’s September 2025 Housing Insight Report, the average number of new prospective buyers registered per member branch climbed to 73, up from the previous month, while rental registrations surged to 111.
Viewing numbers also showed positive momentum, averaging 2.3 per available property.
Despite these signs of renewed confidence, challenges persist. Almost 36% of housing transactions are still taking more than 17 weeks to complete, and the average stock level per branch has slipped to 39 properties – reflecting a tightening supply pipeline.
UNEASY FUTURE
Market appraisals also edged down slightly to 18 per branch, suggesting potential pressure on future listings.
The overall affordability picture remains difficult, with 29% of adults reporting that they find it “very or somewhat difficult” to afford their rent or mortgage payments. The Bank of England’s base rate remained steady at 4%, while inflation held at 3.8%, still nearly double the official 2% target.
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), Chief Executive of Propertymark, said that the figures highlight both progress and peril.
He added: “The latest Housing Insight figures are encouraging in parts, but they also signal clear challenges ahead for both the sales and lettings markets.
“The next few months will be pivotal.”
“Momentum in buyer registrations and rental demand is heartening, but unless we see growth in supply and improvements to transactional efficiency, these positive signals may be muted by affordability and access pressures. The next few months will be pivotal.”
UNDER STRAIN
Sales volumes were also up year-on-year, with provisional HMRC data showing 102,420 residential transactions in September 2025 – a rise from 94,890 a year earlier.
However, only 1% of homes sold above asking price, underlining how price sensitivity remains embedded across much of the market.
REGULATORY PRESSURES
Property expert Phil Spencer, founder of Move iQ, echoed Emerson’s call for reform.
“We’re seeing a market where interest is there in both selling and renting, but the system and the wider affordability environment remain under strain,” he said.
“Delays tell us the engine of the market isn’t yet running smoothly. Policymakers and industry really need to act – not just to serve demand, but to tackle the supply, process bottlenecks, financing, and regulatory pressures that hold it back.”
With GDP inching up by 0.1% and inflation proving sticky, analysts say policymakers face a delicate balancing act heading into winter – to keep demand alive while unblocking the system that delivers homes.
