Estate agents are facing mounting pressure on new instructions after new research revealed that almost a quarter of prospective sellers have abandoned plans to move this year.
Research from GetAgent found that 24% of homeowners who intended to sell at the start of 2026 no longer plan to bring their property to market, while a further 27% say they are now far less certain about moving.
The findings point to growing caution among sellers as affordability pressures, softer buyer demand and wider economic uncertainty weigh on market confidence, creating fresh challenges for agents competing for instructions.
The research, based on a survey of more than 1,000 homeowners, suggests many sellers had already progressed well into the moving process before stepping back. Around 17% had prepared their property for sale, 16% had spoken to an estate agent, and the same proportion had started searching for their onward purchase.
INTETION GAP WIDENS
Some 13% had requested a valuation, while 12% had already listed their home and 11% had hosted viewings. However, only 8% had agreed a sale, highlighting a widening gap between seller intent and completed transactions.
Lack of buyer engagement was the biggest factor behind sellers pulling back. Nearly a quarter (23%) said they had failed to receive an offer, while 18% reported limited or no viewing activity.
Financial concerns were also weighing heavily. Some 17% said they were worried about the cost of their onward purchase, while 16% pointed to inflation and broader economic uncertainty as reasons for delaying their move.
The shift risks intensifying competition for a shrinking pool of motivated vendors, particularly as instructions remain critical to maintaining pipeline strength in a slower market.
AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES
Colby Short (main picrture, inset), Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at GetAgent, says: “What we’re seeing here is not a lack of intent from sellers, but a hesitation driven by uncertainty and a more challenging market environment.
“Many homeowners have already taken meaningful steps towards selling, but with softer buyer activity, affordability pressures and wider economic uncertainty, they’re choosing to pause rather than push ahead.”
MORE COMPETITION
He adds: “For agents, this means fewer sellers coming to market and increased competition for instructions. In this environment, focusing on lead quality and maintaining consistent follow-up is more important than ever.
“At GetAgent, we’re paid on completion, so we understand how stressful it can be when there’s pipeline disruption. Our Client Services team is focused on helping sellers feel more confident and informed, connecting them with agents who are well placed to guide them through the process.
“Good agents are doing what they’ve always done – providing clear, data-driven advice and demonstrating local market expertise, helping to rebuild momentum and showing that even in a more measured market, there are still opportunities to successfully sell.”
Despite current hesitation, many sellers have not abandoned plans entirely. Nearly a third of those delaying their move expect to return to the market later this year, while 29% now anticipate selling in 2027.
