Demand for home move services surged at the start of the year with early January registrations jumping 58% compared with the same period last year, new data suggests.
Figures from Reallymoving show that interest in conveyancing, surveys and removals rose sharply in the first fortnight of January, indicating that housing market activity is starting earlier than usual in 2026 as delayed plans begin to move forward.
Conveyancing registrations, often seen as a marker of serious intent to move, increased by 74% year on year over the period, pointing to sellers and buyers progressing transactions that were paused towards the end of 2025.
Greater certainty following the Autumn Budget, a further interest rate cut in December and improved clarity on housing costs and taxation appear to have made movers more decisive in the New Year.
COMMITTED MOVERS
Rob Houghton (main picture), Founder and Chief Executive of Reallymoving, says: “Rather than signalling a broad resurgence in market confidence, the figures indicate that pent-up demand from the autumn is now feeding through.
“This goes well beyond the casual browsing of property portals – these are committed movers taking purposeful steps to progress a transaction.
“Conveyancing registrations in particular show that buyers and sellers are lining up professional services now they have more certainty, rather than waiting until spring.
“For many movers it isn’t about timing the market perfectly, it’s about life circumstances – and needs-based moves to accommodate a new job or a growing family can only be put off for so long.”
DOWNSIZING DELAY
Upsizers made up 18% of movers, while downsizers remained largely absent from the market, representing just 4% of registrations.
With larger, higher-value homes taking longer to sell and facing heavier price negotiations, many downsizers appear to be delaying moves in the hope of stronger market conditions later in the year.
Houghton adds: “The data suggests downsizers are delaying moves until they feel confident they can achieve good value for their existing home – particularly as many will be relying on the lump sum generated by the sale to help fund retirement. For them it’s a once-in-a-lifetime equity event and the timing is key.”
