The UK housing market is poised for a more active start to 2026 as rising affordability and renewed seller confidence encourage more decisive action, analysis from ValPal reveals.
Data from the online valuation platform shows that while many sellers delayed listing in 2025, a significant proportion acted quickly once they decided to move.
Around 30% of instructions were secured within 30 days of an initial valuation request, while the average time from valuation to instruction across all leads was 61 days, reflecting both fast-moving and more cautious sellers.
ValPal says the figures illustrate how online valuations are often used for research and planning, rather than immediate triggers to sell.
RIGHT MOMENT
The results suggest that a sizeable group of sellers have done their homework and are waiting for the right moment to enter the market.
The analysis covers more than 1.26 million online valuation leads and 239,428 resulting instructions from 2025, highlighting the resilience of seller intent even amid a subdued market.
Craig Vile (main picture, inset), Director of The ValPal Network, says: “Many sellers were clearly active in the background, checking values and preparing, even if they were not ready to move straight away. When sellers were motivated or circumstances demanded it, they moved quickly and decisively.”
ECONOMIC CLARITY
And he adds: “As the market moves into 2026, improving affordability and greater economic clarity should help shorten decision-making timelines. The data suggests there is a sizeable group of sellers who have already done their homework and are simply waiting for the right moment to instruct.
“While this does not point to a rapid return to boom conditions, it does suggest a more constructive and confident start to 2026, driven by steady improvements in affordability and sentiment rather than speculation.”
