Study reveals affordability pressures and pricing expectations are stalling sales across major cities
A new April 2026 report has revealed the UK cities where homes are taking the longest to sell—with London ranking as the slowest-moving market in the country.
On average, it now takes 67 days to secure a buyer in the capital, with nearly half (47%) of properties sitting on the market for more than six months. The findings highlight a growing mismatch between house prices and what buyers can realistically afford.
The study analysed more than 65 of the UK’s largest cities, using factors such as average selling time, the percentage of homes lingering unsold, and how often properties undergo price cuts. It also considered affordability metrics like median salaries, housing supply, and price-to-income ratios to understand what’s driving the slowdown.
London’s position at the top of the list is largely due to its steep house prices—averaging £660,000—which equate to around 16.6 times the typical salary. This affordability gap is making it increasingly difficult for buyers to enter the market, particularly those moving from other parts of the UK.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth ranks second, with 36% of homes remaining unsold after six months and an average selling time of 48 days. Despite relatively low competition between sellers, around 12% of properties still require price reductions of at least 5% to attract buyers.
Brighton follows in third place, where high property prices—averaging £503,000—mean buyers need roughly 15 years’ worth of salary to afford a home. This has led to slower sales, with 29% of properties sitting on the market long-term and 15% undergoing price cuts.
In Croydon, a higher volume of listings—nearly 10 homes per 1,000 residents—has intensified competition among sellers, contributing to longer selling times and 28% of homes remaining unsold after six months.
Slough completes the top five, where high prices and strong competition are keeping homes on the market for an average of 50 days, with one in ten sellers forced to reduce their asking price.
Other cities featured in the top 10 include Oxford, Aberdeen, Norwich, Plymouth and York—all facing varying degrees of affordability challenges and slower transaction times.
According to Housebuyers4u property expert Paul Gibbens, the slowdown is less about a lack of demand and more about unrealistic pricing.
“Buyers are more selective than ever, and overpriced homes are taking much longer to sell,” he explains. “A house sitting unsold for six months is rarely a demand problem—it’s usually about affordability.”
The report ultimately points to a shifting market where sellers may need to adjust expectations earlier to secure a deal. As affordability pressures continue to weigh on buyers, pricing strategy is becoming the defining factor in how quickly homes change hands.
