By Kate Tobin, published 27 October 2025
As someone who recruits accounting professionals across London and the Southeast, I’ve been keeping a close eye on how the property market has been performing this year and what that means for demand and supply in finance roles next year.
Despite the economic uncertainty that’s hung over much of 2025, from global trade tensions to shifting domestic policies, the UK property market has shown impressive resilience. Average house prices are up by around 4.9% year-on-year, with stronger growth in places like the Northeast (9.1%), while London has seen a steadier rise of 2.3%. It’s not a boom, but it’s steady, and that’s reassuring.
What’s interesting is how the market’s dynamics are shifting. Urban centres are making a comeback as more people return to city living and remote work gradually fades. Meanwhile, rental demand continues to outstrip supply, pushing rents up by over 9% nationally. This is driving increased financial complexity for landlords, developers, and property investors and that’s exactly where accountants come in.
Add in the government’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to cap rent increases and strengthen tenant protections, and suddenly there’s a lot more for businesses to navigate. I’m already seeing more employers looking for accountants who understand property tax, compliance, and regulatory changes. Those who can translate legislation into practical financial insight are in high demand.
Another big trend shaping the sector is sustainability. Smaller housebuilders are leading the way with eco-friendly, net-zero homes and sustainable materials. That’s great news for the planet, but it’s also a growing area of work for accountants. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is now a mainstream business priority. Clients are asking for accountants who can quantify carbon costs, validate sustainability claims, and integrate green performance into financial reporting. Those skills are becoming hot property.
On a broader level, the UK economy in 2025 feels cautious but stable. Inflation is under better control, and professional services continue to perform well. Technology and automation are reshaping accounting roles, but far from replacing accountants, they’re changing what employers are looking for. Advisory, analytical, and strategic skills are now top of the wish list.
So, what does all this mean for 2026?
Simply put, demand for accountants is set to rise, especially in property-related and compliance-focused roles. But supply remains tight. We’re still seeing shortages of mid- to senior-level accountants, and competition for skilled professionals is fierce. That imbalance will likely keep pushing salaries up and encourage firms to think more flexibly about hiring and retention.
For candidates, it’s a great time to consider your next move, especially if you’ve got experience in property, sustainability, or advisory work. For employers, the key will be acting early, offering development opportunities, and being open to talent from broader backgrounds.
The UK property market may be steady rather than spectacular, but its ripple effects across finance are undeniable. Accountants will continue to play a vital role in helping businesses navigate regulation, manage risk, and plan sustainably. From where I’m standing, 2026 looks like another busy year ahead for the profession and a particularly exciting one for those ready to seize the opportunity.
If you’re an accountant thinking about your next career step, a business looking to strengthen your finance team, or you’d like some insight into how your organisation might be affected by the trends highlighted in this article, I’d love to chat so feel free to drop me a message – kate.tobin@sheridanmaine.com
