More stock is key to unlocking chains

More stock is key to unlocking chains

We look at the shortage of housing stock in the current property market

  • New buyer enquiries rose modestly in December (+9%) marking the fourth successive monthly rise in demand.
  • The end of the stamp duty break curtailed demand to some degree but since market reopened back in June 2020 demand has significantly outpaced the level of supply (new instructions).
  • Demand has been outpacing supply ever since the market reopened in June 2020 with only a slight deceleration when the stamp duty break came to an end.
  • New instructions recorded a net balance of -14% in December resulting in a 9 month run of falls. It is this lack of stock that is putting a cap on sales activity.
  • House price growth is likely to continue due to the imbalance in supply and demand. More stock is needed to unlock the system and ensure chains can be completed.
  • Source: Dataloft, RICS


Get in touch with us

Attleborough homeowner or landlord? Each month we track the average price paid for local properties over the last 12 months to reveal where the market is really heading. If you’re thinking of selling or simply curious about your home’s true worth, staying informed puts you ahead.

Recent data shows homes are taking longer to sell than 18 months ago, with only around half achieving a sale. Realistic pricing from day one is crucial to attract interest, maintain momentum, and avoid delays or reductions, ensuring a smoother, more successful sale in today’s market.

Some homes sell swiftly while others linger, quietly slipping from view. The gap isn’t chance, it’s sellability. Price, presentation, and guidance decide who wins attention early and who stalls. Understanding what makes a home irresistible can turn uncertainty into momentum.

With plans announced to raise the council tax surcharge on higher-value homes, this snapshot looks at how many £2m-plus properties have actually sold across the UK this year. The data shows a highly concentrated market, dominated by London, and reveals just how small this sector is nationally despite the noise around a “mansion tax.”