UK housing market sentiment improves as fiscal uncertainty clears
The RICS reported improved UK housing sentiment for 2026 on January 15. Sales expectations hit a two-year high as fiscal policy uncertainty finally fades.
Insights:
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors released a survey on January 15, 2026, indicating the first meaningful improvement in housing market sentiment in the United Kingdom 
GBafter a prolonged period of stagnation. The data suggests that professional surveyors are increasingly optimistic about the year ahead, even as current activity levels continue to reflect a challenging environment. This shift marks a significant turn in the mood of property professionals across the country.
GBafter a prolonged period of stagnation. The data suggests that professional surveyors are increasingly optimistic about the year ahead, even as current activity levels continue to reflect a challenging environment. This shift marks a significant turn in the mood of property professionals across the country.According to the report, sales expectations for the next three months climbed to a net balance of plus 22, representing the highest level recorded since October 2024. Even more striking was the outlook for the next twelve months, with optimism about the future rising to a net balance of plus 34. This figure is more than double the previous level and the highest since the end of 2024, signaling that the industry anticipates a more robust period of transactions throughout the coming year.
