Housing supply is building across England, with the number of homes on the market rising 6.3% since the start of 2026, new data shows.
Research from Yopa estimates there are now 471,619 homes listed for sale, up 3.3% year-on-year and signalling improving seller confidence.
The increase is more pronounced at a regional level, with several counties seeing double-digit growth in listings since January.
The City of Bristol has recorded the largest rise, with stock up 16.7%, followed by Hertfordshire (16.1%), Surrey (15.5%), Buckinghamshire (14.9%) and Wiltshire (14.1%).
STRONG GAINS
Other areas posting strong gains include Berkshire (12.6%), Cambridgeshire (12.5%), Hampshire (12.2%), Oxfordshire (12.2%) and Bedfordshire (11.3%).
Only a handful of counties have seen supply fall, including Staffordshire (-1.6%), Shropshire (-1.4%), South Yorkshire (-1.2%), Lancashire (-1%) and Lincolnshire (-0.2%).
On an annual basis, the City of London has seen the biggest increase in listings, up 15.8%, followed by Oxfordshire (12.4%), Cambridgeshire (11.5%) and Hertfordshire (11.2%).
SELLER CONFIDENCE
Verona Frankish (main picture), Chief Executive Officer of Yopa, says: “England’s housing market is showing real signs of growth in 2026, with listings well up on the start of the year. What we’re seeing is renewed seller confidence translating into greater choice for buyers, which is helping to rebalance what has been a supply-constrained market in recent times.
“For sellers, increased competition means pricing strategy is more important than ever. Homes that are accurately priced and well presented from the outset are far more likely to secure strong interest and avoid prolonged time on the market.”
LONGER NEGOTIATIONS
She adds: “Overpricing in the current climate can quickly lead to stagnation or prolonged negotiations.
“Indeed, for buyers, this uplift in stock brings greater negotiating power and more opportunity to find the right property, but the best homes are still attracting significant attention. Acting decisively and being prepared remains key.
“Overall, this increase in supply is a positive step towards a more balanced and fluid market.”
