Recent headlines might suggest a significant downturn in the UK property market, screaming that house sales are down 2.2% compared to the same period last year. And technically, they are right. Between 1st April and 19th May 2026, 159,634 homes were sold subject to contract across the UK, compared to 163,217 during the same period in 2025.

However, once you move beyond the headline and actually look at the numbers, the picture is far less dramatic. Because whilst transaction volumes have softened slightly in many regions, the £ per square foot being achieved has largely remained stable, and in several areas has actually increased. This is usually one of the strongest indicators that house prices themselves are remaining resilient.

Regional Breakdown: A Closer Look at the Numbers

Let's delve into the regional data to see the true story:

• The South East: Sales dipped from 27,147 to 26,381 homes, yet £/sqft increased from £432 to £444.
• The North West: Moved from 20,687 sales to 19,736, whilst values edged up from £265 psf to £267 psf.
• The East of England: Barely changed at all, from 18,479 sales to 18,463, with £/sqft rising from £386 to £393.
• The South West: Slipped from 17,746 to 17,290 sales, though £/sqft still nudged higher from £365 to £366.
• West Midlands: Sales eased from 14,556 to 14,369, with £/sqft climbing from £290 to £295.
• Scotland: Was one of the few regions to actually increase transaction numbers, rising from 14,291 to 14,512 sales, whilst £/sqft jumped from £223 to £247.
• Yorkshire & Humber: Dipped marginally from 13,857 to 13,790 sales, with £/sqft increasing from £250 to £259.
• East Midlands: Moved from 13,368 sales to 12,964, whilst values rose from £271 to £278 per square foot (psf).
• Inner London: Sales softened from 9,510 to 9,030, though £/sqft held remarkably firm at £766 versus £769 last year.
• Wales: Fell from 8,044 sales to 7,815, but values increased from £246 to £263 psf.
• North East: Sales slipped from 7,031 to 6,803, with £/sqft rising from £192 to £199.
• Outer London: Moved from 6,778 to 6,691 sales, whilst £/sqft eased slightly from £543 to £539.
• Northern Ireland: Saw the sharpest drop, from 3,495 sales to 3,163, although £/sqft still increased from £185 to £198.

So yes, activity is slightly lower than last year. But this is not evidence of a collapsing property market. Far from it. In fact, there were two weeks (one in late April and another in early May) this year that were the two strongest sales weeks seen for over a year, and buyer demand continues to hold up surprisingly well considering everything happening globally with inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty.

The Real Issue: Competition, Not Lack of Buyers

The real issue in today’s market is not a lack of buyers. It is competition. There are simply more homes coming to market, meaning buyers have more choice and sellers have to price more realistically from day one. Because whilst demand remains good, only around 53% of UK homes that come to market actually go on to exchange and complete.

The homes that are priced correctly, presented properly, and launched strategically are still selling well. The ones chasing aspirational pricing are helping their competitors sell instead.

Maximising Your Sale in Today's Market

For vendors, this means focusing on strategy. Understanding the true value of your home in the current market, presenting it in its best light, and setting a realistic price from the outset are crucial. This approach ensures your property stands out amidst increased competition and attracts serious buyers.

If you would like to know what is really happening in the Rainham property market, and where your home truly stands in today’s market, feel free to get in touch for a free, no obligation chat about your next move. We are here to help you navigate the market with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome for your sale.