RICS Residential Market Survey NI – June 2026
The number of new buyers in NI’s housing market was broadly flat during June according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) residential market survey. But with a rise in the number of new properties coming to the market, respondents expect sales activity to pick up between now and the end of September.
A net balance of 40% of NI respondents reported a rise in new instructions to sell in June, which is up from the net balance of 24% seen in the survey previous. Although this balance remains firmly in positive territory, anecdotally surveyors note that it is not enough to meet overall market demand.
On the demand side, a net balance of 3% of NI respondents noted a rise in new buyer enquiries in June, which is the same as was seen in the May survey.
Regarding sales, a net balance of 6% of Northern Ireland respondents noted a rise in sales through June, which is up slightly from the broadly flat picture seen in May. And NI surveyors remain optimistic looking forward when it comes to sales. A net balance of 46% are expecting a rise in sales over the next three months.
When it comes to house prices, surveyors in NI continue to report a rise. A net balance of 89% of NI respondents reported a rise in house prices over the past three months, up from the net balance of 81% seen in the May survey. And looking ahead, a net balance of 54% of respondents expect house prices to rise over the next three months, though is down from the net balance of 67% seen in the report previous.
Brian Reid, chair of RICS NI regional board, commented: “We have seen a steady picture in NI’s housing market through the first half of 2026, with June continuing that broad trend. Demand throughout the course of this year so far has been relatively strong, with appropriately priced properties continuing to sell quickly. It’s encouraging to see surveyors in NI reporting rises in the volume of properties coming to the market, but we are still not seeing the number of properties needed to meet the demand from prospective buyers. It’s hoped though that this momentum can continue through the rest of the year.”
Commenting on the UK picture, RICS Head of Market Research & Analysis, Tarrant Parsons, said: “June’s survey results offer some cautious encouragement that the worst of the slowdown in market activity may be beginning to pass, with several key indicators moving in a less negative direction for a second consecutive month. That said, any nascent improvement remains fragile and is now being tested by renewed political uncertainty on the domestic front.
“While the Bank of England left interest rates unchanged, uncertainty around the outlook for inflation and borrowing costs continues to weigh on sentiment, even if the recent decline in oil prices is a welcome development. Until there is greater clarity over both the political backdrop and the path of interest rates, housing market activity is likely to remain relatively subdued in the near term.”
