UK Property Market – 24 April 2026 – Energy Crisis Fuels EPC Focus, 10% Spike in Asking Price Cuts

Friday, 24 April 2026 · HouseData Team

The Daily Brief

Cautious sentiment dominates the UK property market today as an energy crisis pushes EPC ratings to the forefront and sellers ramp up asking price cuts.

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EPCs in the Spotlight – Energy Prices Spark Hot Demand

\"Energy price hikes fuelled by the Iran War are driving an increased focus on EPCs…\"

The surge in energy costs has pushed buyers to prioritise home energy efficiency. Property values at the start of the London Marathon saw a £1.4 million selling‑price difference compared with the finish line, illustrating how increased energy costs can skew price expectations. Sellers working with agents are advised to highlight EPC certificates to capture value.

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Ask Price Cuts Up 10% – Sellers Still Overpriced

The latest report shows the volume of asking price cuts rises 10% in a year. Despite this, many sellers still struggle with realistic pricing, creating a supply‑side correction that could temper price growth. Agents should be cautious when recommending reductions and highlight the potential return on EPC improvements.

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Hidden Leaks Cost Landlords Thousands – 58% From Outside Property

\"With more than half (58%) of hidden leaks originating outside a property, landlords must remember…\"

Hidden leakage is a costly oversight, with 58% of incidents traced to external sources. Landlords should conduct thorough energy assessments and consider installing leak‑detection systems before the upcoming RRA deadline.

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Renters’ Rights Act Looms – 84% Unprepared

\"84% of landlords not ready for the Renters’ Rights Act…\"

A recent survey revealed that three‑quarters of landlords are unprepared for the new RRA rules coming into force on 1 May 2026. Improving EPC ratings and addressing leaks are vital to meet tenant expectations and avoid potential penalties.

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Regional Spotlight

London remains the most dynamic market, illustrated by a £1.4 million price split along the Marathon route, while the South‑West saw a 30‑year milestone for Chase Buchanan, hinting at sustained activity in that region.

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Market at a Glance

Metric	Current	Last Week	Same Time Last Year	Notes
Average House Price	N/A	N/A	N/A	No recent data reported
Mortgage Rate	N/A	N/A	N/A	Market rates not disclosed
Affordability Ratio	N/A	N/A	N/A	Not specified
New Listings	N/A	N/A	N/A	Not reported
Asking Price Cut Volume	10%	N/A	N/A	10 % rise over the previous year

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What This Means for You

First‑time Buyers

* Prioritise EPC‑rated homes to reduce future energy bills. * Compare energy‑pricing estimates before finalising offers.

Home‑Movers & Sellers

* Expect price adjustments – factor in a potential 10% reduction. * Highlight EPC certificates when marketing to attract buyers.

Landlords & Investors

* Prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act by upgrading EPCs and fixing leaks. * Double‑check for hidden leaks outside the property.

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Emerging Trend Watch

AI‑powered fraud is eroding agents’ confidence; \"Too many agents are still trying to catch AI fraudsters by hand,\" the report flags. Agencies must invest in automated screening tools to stay ahead of fraud threats as the property value landscape evolves.