UK Retail Marketbeat Reports

For the data behind the commentary, download the full Q2 2026 UK Retail Report.

Retail to see greater policy support but dust must settle

The UK is set to enter another political era, with Andy Burnham's replacement of Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour party and incumbent prime minister making him the 7th prime minister in 10 years. Early signals from the incoming prime minister already hint towards clear intent and stronger emphasis on high street renewal, devolution and targeted support for retail, hospitality and leisure operators. However, as already evidenced by the mixed response to the 20% hospitality rates relief package and a sharp outward movement of 10-year government bond yields, longer term policy support and a normalisation of economic conditions will follow a period of further political and economic uncertainty in the short term. Retailers and industry bodies will continue to lobby for greater support in curbing the impact of inflation and rising operating costs, which have outpaced policy support and spend growth in recent years. 

Supply continues to challenge capital deployment despite strong performance

A persistent shortage of investment-grade retail assets continues to influence market activity, with strong investor demand increasingly being directed towards off-market opportunities, joint ventures and partial stake transactions as buyers compete for limited stock. Although this has characterised the market in recent quarters, we anticipate this may begin to change throughout the remainder of 2026. Encouragingly, liquidity conditions appear to be improving as a growing number of owners look to crystallise value following a period of strong performance, with several major shopping centres and prime regional retail warehouse schemes reportedly being prepared for sale. While market volatility and financing conditions continue to influence transaction execution, these assets represent early signs of an improvement in supply levels, and that investment activity may strengthen through the remainder of 2026 as additional high-quality stock is brought to market.

Access the Full UK Retail MarketBeat Report  

Download the full Cushman & Wakefield UK Retail & Leisure MarketBeat Q2 2026 to explore: 

• Detailed market statistics and rental benchmarks 
• Prime yields by asset type
• Key investment transactions and leasing activity
• In‑depth analysis of retail, leisure and F&B subsectors