UK Property Market Outlook with Savills Head of Research

Let’s be honest, going into 2026 there’s been a lot of noise in property and not much clarity.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Lucian Cook, Head of Residential Research at Savills and one of the most respected data voices in the UK housing market, for a clear-eyed conversation about where things actually stand as we move through 2026.

Lucian has spent his entire career in property, starting as a chartered surveyor before moving into research just ahead of the global financial crisis. Since then, he’s analysed every major shift the market has thrown at us, from the credit crunch to the pandemic boom, and now the biggest rental reform in a generation.

We talk about what’s structurally changed in the housing market, why regulation and tax policy have reshaped the role of the landlord, and how investors should really think about cycles, sentiment, and supply without getting pulled around by headlines.

This isn’t about predictions for the sake of it. It’s about understanding the forces at play, what the data is actually saying, and what that means if you’re making decisions with your own capital.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• How the housing market has structurally shifted over the past two decades
• Why simplistic “property cycle” narratives can be misleading
• The few core indicators that really matter right now
• What rental reform could mean for supply and investor behaviour
• Where opportunity might sit for patient, long-term operators

If you’re trying to stay disciplined and informed in a market that feels noisy, this episode will help you step back and think more clearly.

💻 Resources & Mentions

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