Estate Agency Market Outlook 2026: What leading London operators are telling us

A shift in momentum after months of uncertainty

The cloud of uncertainty that dominated much of 2025 has lifted. A Lettings Director from a premium Central London brand captured this sentiment: "We've started the year with a feeling of positivity but realism. The uncertainty that clouded last year has shifted and while transaction levels aren't quite where we'd like them, we are at least dealing with people who know what they want to do with their assets."

This clarity is translating into tangible activity. One multi-branch operator covering East London and Essex reported their busiest Saturday of viewings in years, whilst a South West London market leader noted "more activity than November and December put together."

Where the opportunities lie in 2026

Several themes emerged from these conversations that have significant implications for agency recruitment strategies:

Market share redistribution

A Lettings MD from North London described the current landscape as presenting "once in a generation opportunities to review business models and capitalise on taking market share from agents who are unprepared." This speaks to a widening gap between well-resourced, strategically-minded operators and those caught off-guard by regulatory changes and market shifts.

Prime and Super Prime resilience

Multiple Central London operators referenced continued momentum in higher value brackets. One market leader observed that whilst lower value properties started strong, "activity is picking up gradually in the higher brackets, as is normal." The super prime market was specifically highlighted as presenting a significant opportunity for agencies with the right expertise.

Repricing and realistic expectations

Price management remains the sector's biggest challenge according to Central London operators. An energising start to the year has been characterised by "lots of activity, repricing happening, and clients keen to get moving again." Agencies that can navigate pricing conversations effectively while maintaining vendor relationships will differentiate themselves.

The recruitment implications

This optimistic market sentiment creates immediate talent requirements. Agencies looking to capture market share need teams capable of executing on opportunity. Several recruitment priorities emerge:

• Experienced Negotiators: With repricing activity high, agencies require lettings and sales negotiators who can manage expectations whilst securing instructions and progressing transactions.

• Regional Specialists: The variation in market conditions across London (from North to South West, Prime Central to Essex borders) means regional knowledge and existing networks carry premium value.

• Leadership Capability: COOs, Lettings Directors, and senior operators who can review business models and capitalise strategically will be highly sought after as agencies look to take market share from less prepared competitors.

Why agencies are partnering with specialist recruiters

The feedback from our clients reveals a market moving quickly. One Central London independent noted "enquiries high and clients making plans," whilst a buying agent director mentioned "quality new enquiries" despite cautioning it's early days.

Speed matters in this environment. Agencies cannot afford protracted recruitment processes when market conditions favour decisive action. This is where specialist property recruitment partnerships prove their value:

• Market intelligence: We maintain real-time visibility of candidate availability across all London regions and property sectors

• Quality over volume: Our estate agency team focuses exclusively on property talent, ensuring candidates understand the nuances of lettings, sales, and prime markets

• Confidential search capability: For senior appointments or situations requiring discretion, we can approach passive candidates within competitors without alerting the wider market

Looking ahead

Whilst several operators cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, the consensus points to a 2026 characterised by activity, opportunity, and competitive intensity. A Sales Director from Essex summarised the mood as "strong and stable, with positive foundations for the year ahead."

For agencies, the question becomes whether existing teams have the capacity and capability to capitalise fully. Those who address talent gaps proactively will be better positioned than those who wait.