Since the mid 2000s, Britain has been told the same bad news housing stories. Young people have been locked out of homeownership. Deposits are impossible to save. Mortgage rules are too strict. And ‘Generation Rent’ is now permanent. According to the narrative by the newspapers, younger generation homeownership has collapsed.

Thinking about selling your home but not ready for a full public launch? Discreet marketing could be the perfect solution. It allows you to test the waters, gauge interest, and find the right buyer without immediate, widespread exposure.

As we move through May 2026, buyers are seeing more homes come to market, but affordability still matters. Here is what today’s mix of greater choice, steady demand and higher mortgage costs means if you are planning a move.

For decades, the flat was the natural starting point for many first-time home buyers. The first rung of the ladder. The affordable option. The stepping stone to something bigger. For landlords, it was a dependable investment. For first-time buyers, it was often the only way in.