Home sales have reached 1.2 million by 2025, the highest level in three years, according to Zoopla.
But Zoopla said house prices have lagged, with a typical property currently worth £270,300, up 1.1% on the same period in 2024.
This is lower than the 1.9% increase in home prices in 2024 and well below the 3.8% average annual increase over the past 10 years.
The property platform’s latest house price index also predicts that property values will rise by 1.5% in 2026, with 1.18 million housing transactions.
That’s more cautious than Rightmove’s forecast of 2% home price growth in 2026 and Jackson-Stops’ forecast of 2-3% growth.
House prices rose fastest in the North West (2.9%) and Northern Ireland (6.7%), but fell by as much as 0.6% in the south of England.
Zoopla said first-time buyers will account for 39% of sales in 2025.
Richard Donnell, executive director of Zoopla, said: “We expect a stronger 2026 with more homes for sale as buyers return to the market.
“Demand remains strong but affordability remains constrained.
“For those buying their first home or looking to upgrade, house price growth will keep prices in check.”
