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UK Housing Market Softens May; Rentals Surge 18%

7/9/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

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Story summary
  • RICS reported on July 9 that Britain’s housing market softened in May.
  • The headline house-price balance was –33 percent, revised to –34 percent, buyer enquiries rose to –29 percent while sales expectations improved to –16 percent with 12-month sales flat at +1 percent.
  • Rental demand climbed to +18 percent, the strongest since May 2025, with rents projected to rise 2.5 percent next year.
  • RICS said Bank of England rates and lingering inflation uncertainty will keep activity subdued.