Buyers are returning to the housing market at the start of 2026 as confidence improves and mortgage rates fall, Zoopla’s UK House Price Index has revealed. There are also 6% more homes for sale than a year ago, giving buyers more choice. Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “After a weak end to 2025, home buyer confidence is returning as mortgage rates ease and those who delayed decisions last year return to the market. Market conditions vary across the country and are defined by the level of choice for home buyers. With more homes coming onto the market and mortgage rates continuing to fall, we expect activity to pick up pace as confidence returns.