New real-time analysis from Rightmove suggests that buyer demand has bounced back after a temporary ‘heatwave’ dip in May.

Beginning the analysis on May 22 at the start of the heatwave, buyer demand dropped by an unseasonal 8% over the course of the following week.

Buyer demand started to rise again from June 1 as temperatures eased and potential buyers began booking in more viewings.  

On June 6, buyer demand surpassed pre-heatwave levels with normal, seasonal trends resuming. 

However, Rightmove admits: “The number of potential buyers sending enquiries to agents about homes for sale is still lower than at this time last year, but remains stable in line with the trends we’ve seen so far in 2026. “

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert says:“It’s not unusual for short-term external events like a heatwave or school holidays to have a temporary impact on home-moving activity, and this time we had both at the same time, so it isn’t surprising that some buyers paused their searches or delayed viewings for a few days. 

“What’s more telling is how quickly demand tends to bounce back, as we’re now seeing, with underlying market activity remaining consistent with what we’ve seen in 2026 so far. 

“We regularly see patterns like this in our real-time data, whether it’s seasonal shifts, major events like the World Cup coming up, or even cultural moments influencing behaviour, which is a reminder as to the scale of the Rightmove platform.” 

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, is not fully convinced by Rightmove’s analysis.

He says: “We noticed a rebound in enquiries at the end of May/beginning of June – more than we might have otherwise expected for the time of year.

“However, we put that improvement more down to buyers coming to terms with the fallout and length of the Iran war than not feeling as much heat from the sun.

“Demand may have increased but generating commitment to purchase is proving just as tricky as it has been since hostilities began, bearing in mind the amount of choice and continuing uncertainty over the direction of travel for mortgage rates and inflation.”