The RICS UK Residential Market Survey showed that the house price balance improved to -28% in August 2026 from an upwardly revised -29% in July, reaching a five-month high as the market showed signs of stabilizing. The net balance for new buyer enquiries rose to -19%, its strongest reading since January, while sales expectations improved to -3% from -13%. RICS said activity indicators have become progressively less negative, although any recovery remains fragile. Property prices are still expected to fall over the next three months but stabilize over a 12-month horizon. London reported the weakest price balance, while Northern Ireland remained the strongest market. Rental market tenant demand and fewer properties from landlords pushed the three-month rent expectations balance to +44% from +33%. RICS warned that prospects for higher interest rates or heavier property taxation after October’s budget could weigh on prices.