Related topic: Housing market

Transaction levels were 7% up on January and the highest since March 2025, before the war in Iran sparked market uncertainty.

The market had regained momentum after the slowdown recorded around the turn of the year, however, the conflict in West Asia is now clouding the outlook.

Over-60s hold £2.92 trillion in main residences alone – a record high.

Average mortgage rates increase by 0.4 percentage points in recent weeks.

Affordability in England and Wales has continued to improve in 2025, after ratios peaked in 2021.

The Charter aims to reduce delays, minimise fall throughs and improve confidence across the transaction chain.

The average exchange time reaches 135 days — up 45% on 2019.

The North West was the English region with the highest house price inflation.

The OPDA argues that far greater urgency is required to strengthen the resilience of the housing market.

Towns in Northern England, Scotland and Wales top the affordability rankings.