Zoopla Reports Strongest February in a Decade for New Property Listings

Zoopla Sees Strongest February in a Decade for New Property Listings

Property website Zoopla has reported that February 2026 is on track to witness the highest number of fresh homes listed for sale in February for ten years. The platform recorded a 6% increase in homes available for sale in the four weeks leading up to February 15, compared to the same period in 2025.

Market Conditions Favor First-Time Buyers

Zoopla highlighted that combined with falling mortgage rates, the current market is looking particularly favorable for first-time buyers. The surge in homes for sale is expected to enhance buyer choice and help keep price increases in check throughout the year. Many lenders have adjusted their criteria, enabling some individuals to borrow more, further supporting market activity.

Sales agreements have increased sharply, although they remain below the "very strong start" observed in 2025. Despite fewer buyers in the market compared to a year ago, sales are currently at the fourth strongest February level in the past decade.

Affordability and Regional Variations

Zoopla estimated that 40% of homes currently listed on its website are cheaper to buy with a mortgage than the cost of renting locally, assuming a 20% deposit. This marks an improvement from 25% last year, though individual circumstances may vary.

House prices increased by 1.3% in the 12 months to January, with significant regional disparities. Northern Ireland led with an 8.0% rise, while London experienced a 0.2% decline. Within Britain, the North West of England was the strongest-performing region, with prices up 3.3% annually, followed by Scotland at 2.8% and the North East at 2.5%. Wales saw a 2.2% annual increase.

Areas with higher price growth tend to be more affordable and have fewer homes for sale than a year ago, which limits buyer choice and supports price growth. In contrast, southern England, where affordability is more stretched, sellers are advised to price realistically to secure timely sales.

Expert Insights and Future Outlook

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, commented, "Despite improved levels of market activity, subdued house price inflation is good news for buyers and sellers and represents a more stable market. More sellers putting their home on the market shows a strong desire to move home." He added that lower mortgage rates and improved affordability could make this the best time to buy in recent years, especially for first-time buyers.

Other industry experts echoed these sentiments. David Fell of Hamptons noted that first-time buyers often negotiate harder, with a fifth securing discounts of 10% or more in February. Nigel Bishop of Recoco Property Search highlighted that increased supply gives buyers more leverage in negotiations. Tom Bill of Knight Frank pointed out that rising supply and realistic asking prices will support transactions this spring.

Alastair Douglas of TotallyMoney cautioned that while falling rates and more homes are positive, many young people still struggle to obtain mortgages. Nathan Emerson of Propertymark expressed hope for further base rate cuts by the Bank of England. Jen Lloyd of Skipton Building Society reported a 42% increase in first-time buyer applications in January 2026, indicating renewed market confidence.