Estate agents are starting 2026 on a stronger footing, with the majority reporting an increase in buyer enquiries and viewing requests, while one in five are also seeing more offers being made, the latest research from Property DriveBuy has found.

The survey of UK estate agents, commissioned by Property DriveBuy, revealed that 47% have seen an increase in buyer enquiries when compared to the back end of 2025, while a further 34% say enquiry levels have remained broadly stable.

When it comes to viewings, 45% of those surveyed reported an increase in viewing requests so far this year, with one in five agents also reporting an increase in the number of offers being made.

When asked how current buyer activity levels compare to what they would normally expect at this time of year, 38% of agents say they are busier than usual, while 42% describe activity as in line with typical seasonal levels. Just one in five say the market is quieter than normal.

What’s more, some 44% of agents expect overall market activity in 2026 to be busier than in 2025.

Steve Foreman, founder and CEO of Property DriveBuy, commented: “These are extremely encouraging signs for the start of the year, with the majority of agents reporting that they are busier than usual and seeing increases in buyer enquiries and viewings, while one in five are also seeing more offers being made.

The recent uplift in agency activity marks an uplift on slow late 2026.

This increase in agency activity marks a rebound from a slow finish to 2025.

Number of property sales agreed per estate agency branch falls