London’s property sales market has slowed down. More owners are choosing flexible letting
The London property market in 2026 isn’t collapsing - but it has changed significantly.
What was once a fast-moving seller’s market has become noticeably slower, more price-sensitive and increasingly buyer-driven.
For many homeowners and landlords, properties are now sitting on the market for months rather than weeks - particularly apartments, leasehold flats and some new-build units across London.
The question many owners are now asking is no longer:
“How quickly can I sell?”
It’s: “How do I avoid my property sitting empty while I wait for the right buyer?”
What’s actually happening in the London sales market
Across London, supply has increased considerably - especially in the apartment market.
Buyers now have:
- more choice,
- more negotiating power,
- and less urgency to commit quickly.
At the same time, mortgage rates remain relatively high. Even with expectations of future reductions, financing costs are still keeping many buyers cautious.
The result:
- transactions are taking longer,
- buyers are negotiating harder,
- and sellers are increasingly having to adjust expectations.
Prime Central London has become particularly competitive.
In some areas, pricing has stagnated. In others, values have softened slightly as buyers become more selective and internationally mobile demand normalises.
The market split is also becoming increasingly clear:
- family houses are generally performing better,
- smaller flats and leasehold apartments are proving harder to move,
- and some new-build developments are facing oversupply pressure.
{{calculator}}
Why more owners are choosing flexible letting instead of leaving their property empty
In previous years, many owners were comfortable leaving properties empty while waiting for a buyer. Today, that approach has become significantly more expensive.
Owners still face:
- mortgage payments,
- service charges,
- utilities,
- council tax,
- insurance,
- maintenance costs,
- and opportunity cost.
At the same time, properties can remain listed for several months before the right offer arrives.
As a result, more London owners are turning to flexible short- and mid-term letting to offset costs and generate income during the sales process.
Instead of sitting vacant, the property continues working as an income-producing asset.
For example:
A 1 bedroom apartment in Canary Wharf listed for sale at £525,000 may currently take several months to sell depending on pricing and competition.
Rather than leaving the property empty, flexible short- and mid-term model could potentially generate:
- £3,000-£4,500+ gross monthly revenue during active marketing periods,
depending on seasonality, building quality and length of stay.
Similarly, a 2 bedroom apartment in Greenwich, Wandsworth or Hackney that may otherwise sit vacant during the sales process could continue generating income while still remaining available for viewings and buyers.
For many owners, this income helps:
- reduce carrying costs,
- maintain cash flow,
- and avoid accepting lower offers purely due to financial pressure.
Flexible viewings while the property is for sale
One of the biggest concerns owners have is:
“Can the property still be viewed while guests are staying there?”
Yes.
At Staymo, we regularly manage properties that remain actively listed for sale while generating income through flexible stays.
We work around:
- estate agent viewings,
- photography,
- valuations,
- surveys,
- inspections,
- and buyer access requirements.
Our operational structure is specifically designed to remain flexible throughout the sales process
Is leaving a property empty still the best strategy?
For some owners, perhaps.
But increasingly, London landlords and homeowners are recognising that an empty property listed for sale is still a cost centre.
Flexible letting offers a way to:
- reduce carrying costs,
- maintain cash flow,
- preserve flexibility,
- and avoid unnecessary financial pressure while waiting for the right buyer.
The London sales market has changed.
Many owners are now adapting their strategy accordingly.
Generate income instead of leaving the property sitting empty during the sales process. Staymo helps London property owners maximise revenue through flexible short and mid-term lets - while keeping the property fully available for viewings and future buyers.
