A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

UK home sales agreed in 2025 tell a story of steady progress rather than drama. Many regions are seeing uplift thanks to realistic pricing and strong demand, while others are adjusting to affordability and expectations. The market is functioning, confident, and increasingly shaped by local conditions.

Private renting has grown across every UK region over the last 40 years, but the scale and pace are often misunderstood. This graphic shows how uneven that growth has been, shaped largely by the decline in social housing. Understanding this shift helps explain today’s housing balance and the choices ahead.

This data shows a clear north–south split in UK housing supply. Homes for sale are rising across London and the South, while much of the North is seeing stock fall. The contrast raises questions about affordability, confidence, and whether higher supply in the South could limit house price growth into 2026.