Property news

Buyer activity is beginning to recover after a slower summer, with searches for homes now 7% higher than a year ago. However, higher mortgage rates have reduced buying power, causing sales and house price growth to slow.

The UK base rate remains at 3.75%, after the Bank of England voted to hold rates at its latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting on 30 July 2026. The decision comes as UK inflation sits at 2.6%

Looking for a rental home that costs less? Here’s your complete guide to the cheapest places to rent in the UK in 2026.

If you’ve owned your home for five years, there’s a good chance it’ll be worth more now than it was in 2021 - with the average UK home’s value rising by £36,100. How does your home compare?

UK house price growth has slowed to 1.3% as higher mortgage rates and uncertainty weigh on market activity. While the average home has gained £3,400 in value this year, the picture varies significantly across the country, with some regions seeing strong growth while others face falling prices.

Our latest data highlights the impact of stamp duty on the Southern housing market. 51% of first-time buyers pay in the South East and nearly 8 in 10 in London, compared to fewer than 1 in 10 across Northern England.

The price gap between the cost of flats and the cost of houses is the widest since records began. Factor in active leasehold reforms and flats are a budget-friendly option worth considering.

House prices in 2026 are being shaped less by timing and more by pricing. Homes priced correctly are still selling at a steady pace, while homes that have ambitious pricing are taking longer to sell.

UK house prices continue to show modest growth, up 1.4% year on year in June 2026, supported by easing mortgage rates and resilient demand in many regions. Market activity varies across the UK, with improving affordability helping to stabilise conditions.