Housing market in England and Wales ‘showing tentative signs of recovery’

Rics surveyors report inquiries from new buyers, agreed sales and house prices were less negative in January

There are tentative signs" that the housing market in England and Wales is recovering from a months-long slowdown after uncertainty around the autumn budget and economic pressures, estate agents and surveyors have reported.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said its members were feeling more optimistic about the year ahead than at any time since December 2024, as inquiries from new buyers, agreed sales and house prices became less negative in January.