The UK housing market’s confidence is declining despite recent improvements, as per the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The private rented sector faces a severe demand-supply imbalance, causing rents to rise and affordability to fall. Tenant demand surged while new landlord instructions stagnated, indicating continued rent hikes. In the sales market, buyer demand has slightly dropped, particularly in southern England, though a modest rise in sales is expected. National house prices are falling, except in Scotland and Northern Ireland. RICS highlights the need for political focus on long-term housing policies and support for first-time buyers amid high interest rates, with hopes pinned on potential interest rate cuts for future market recovery.