The number of sales being agreed has increased sharply, but remains below the very strong start to 2025, the report said

The UK housing market is experiencing a significant uplift, with this month poised to record the highest number of new homes listed for sale in February for a decade.

Property website Zoopla reports a 6% rise in available properties during the four weeks leading up to 15 February, compared with the same period last year.

This surge in listings, coupled with a decline in mortgage rates, creates a particularly favourable environment for first-time buyers, according to Zoopla.

The increased choice for prospective purchasers is expected to help moderate property price growth throughout the year. Furthermore, many lenders have adjusted their criteria, potentially enabling more individuals to secure larger loans.

The number of sales being agreed has increased sharply, but remains below the very strong start to 2025, the report said.

Sales are currently running at the fourth strongest February level in the past decade, even though there are fewer buyers in the market than a year ago.

Zoopla estimated 40% of homes currently for sale on its website are cheaper to buy with a mortgage than the cost of renting locally, assuming someone has a 20% deposit to put down, which is an improvement compared with 25% last year. People’s individual circumstances will vary.

Zoopla’s house price index uses sold prices, mortgage valuations and data for agreed sales to make calculations.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: 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.

Lower mortgage rates and improved affordability of mortgages means now could very well be the best time to buy a home in recent years, especially for first-time buyers with more homes available to buy for less than the cost of renting, he said.

He added: We expect continued modest rates of price inflation over 2026, which will support healthy levels of sales with some wide variations across local markets. Sellers need to seek the advice of local agents to get the right strategy for their home.