Estate agents face a new competitive front in 2026, with instructions and pipeline resilience overtaking listings as the decisive measure of success according to The ValPal Network.
While stock levels and agreed sales remain key metrics, TVPN argues that advantage is now secured much earlier in the customer journey.
Agents who identify seller intent sooner and build structured pipelines are better placed than those relying on reactive valuation requests.
Rightmove’s January House Price Index recorded a 2.8% rise in average asking prices between December and January, alongside a sharp increase in both buyer demand and new listings in the post-Christmas period.
EARLIER ENGAGEMENT
The figures suggest movers are engaging with the market earlier than expected. However, valuation activity often starts months before a formal instruction.
TVPN data indicates homeowners typically use an online valuation tool four to five months before appointing an agent, meaning the instruction process can begin long before a board goes up.
EARLY SIGNALS
Craig Vile (main picture, inset), Director of The ValPal Network, says: “The future of agency isn’t about replacing relationships with technology.
“It’s about understanding that intent doesn’t begin with a phone call. By the time a homeowner contacts an agent, they’ve often been researching, comparing and considering their options for months.
“What the data tells us is that the agents who succeed are those who recognise that early signal and act on it.
MOVING MINDSET
And he adds: “Re-engaging with your database, predictive marketing and behavioural triggers give agents the opportunity to start meaningful conversations sooner. But the conversion still comes down to trust. Technology can open the door but it’s the agent’s expertise and rapport that ultimately wins the instruction.”
“Digital behaviour increasingly signals when a homeowner is entering a ‘moving mindset’. Search patterns, online research and valuation activity are all early indicators of intent.
“However, predictive insight alone does not secure instructions. Technology may identify the moment, but trust wins the business.”
