Is the UK heading for an IPO Boom?

After years of quiet trading floors and postponed listings, the UK IPO market is finally showing signs of life.

London has struggled to compete with New York and private markets, but a mix of regulatory reform, tax incentives and improving market confidence is changing the picture.

Here's what this means for Law Firms and their clients.

1. Listing in London is becoming quicker and easier

One of the biggest barriers to UK IPOs has been complexity. Lengthy prospectuses, long waiting periods and rigid rules made London feel slow and expensive compared to other markets.

That friction is being stripped away. The Financial Conduct Authority has shortened the gap between publishing a prospectus and listing, making IPOs faster and more predictable. Companies can also raise money more easily after listing, without having to produce full prospectuses for many follow-on share sales.

For businesses thinking about going public, this matters. A smoother process lowers legal costs, reduces uncertainty and makes London feel like a practical option again rather than a regulatory headache.

2. Tax incentives are pulling investors back in

The government has also stepped in with a clear financial sweetener. A three-year stamp duty holiday on shares in newly listed companies makes buying IPO stock cheaper for investors.

That might sound minor, but IPOs depend on demand. When investors are more willing to participate, listings are more likely to succeed. Successful IPOs then encourage other companies to follow, creating momentum.

Combined with a rising FTSE 100, which recently broke the 10,000 mark for the first time, the overall market mood is improving. Confidence is returning, and IPO markets thrive on confidence.

3. A stronger pipeline is forming for 2026