In a notable shift within the UK property market, almost one-third of homes currently for sale are now chain-free, according to new data from property website Zoopla. The surge in chain-free listings — which represent 32% of all properties — is largely due to landlords and second-home owners choosing to offload their investments amid changing tax and legislative pressures.

Two-bedroom homes, especially popular with buyers, stand out in the trend, with 41% listed as chain-free, a boon for those looking for quicker and simpler transactions. Regionally, the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South West lead the pack, with each of these areas seeing 36% of listings available without a property chain.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, explained the appeal for buyers, stating, “This is your chance for a chain-free property purchase, saving you an enormous amount of time, money and hassle.” Coles pointed out that, with around a third of properties on the market advertising no chain, buyers are freed from the frustrating delays and uncertainty often associated with dependent sales chains.

While the recent Budget offered modest relief on capital gains tax, many landlords remain sceptical about future tax policies affecting property investments. “The extra stamp duty surcharge on buying these homes is likely to have convinced them that the tax regime isn’t going to get more generous any time soon,” Coles remarked. “They’re taxed more on the way in, with frozen income tax thresholds that mean more tax each month, and then there’s tax again when they sell. Each of these could become more costly over time, prompting many to exit the market while they still can.”

The pressure on landlords has grown in recent years, not just from tax increases but also due to rising operational costs and tightened regulations. Coles highlighted that mortgage rates remain high compared to the last decade, pushing up monthly expenses. “At the same time, there’s more legislation to meet, which means higher standards and more costs… For many landlords, the financial equation just doesn’t add up anymore,” she said.

Second-home owners, too, are facing new challenges, including proposed council tax hikes that could double rates on holiday properties. “It’s the final straw for many, who have already been contending with rising maintenance and operational costs,” Coles noted.

For prospective homebuyers, the uptick in chain-free listings presents a unique opportunity. These properties are attracting as much as 33% more buyer interest, thanks to the simplified transaction process and reduced risk of deals falling through — making chain-free homes an increasingly attractive option in today’s market.