Homes harder to sell as high mortgage rates frustrate buyers

Homes harder to sell as high mortgage rates frustrate buyersImage source, Getty ImagesByKevin PeacheyCost of living correspondentPublished30 June 2026, 00:08 BSTUpdated 37 minutes agoThree in five homes listed for sale since January remain on the market, according to property portal Zoopla, as high mortgage rates frustrate potential buyers.A lack of demand from buyers, as well as some high asking prices from sellers, have left homes in some areas unsold.Agreed sales were 7% below last year, Zoopla said, but the picture varied across the country with sales down 12% in Wales and 11% in the East Midlands.First-time buyers were most exposed to high mortgage rates, although there are now signs of greater competition among lenders who are lowering rates.A jump in mortgage rates in April -…

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