Related topic: House prices

Market activity was influenced by stamp duty changes that took effect at the beginning of April, but overall remained close to pre-pandemic levels.

Slight easing in affordability pressures helped to underpin buyer demand in 2025, Nationwide says.

Rightmove is expecting a bigger 'Boxing Day bounce', with prices to rise 2% next year.

Transaction volumes are forecast to rise in 2027, before dipping back in 2028 as political uncertainty ahead of the 2029 election leads to a pause.

Regional data continues to show a clear North/South divide.

Prices were still up 0.3% month-on-month, despite Budget uncertainty.

House prices in London and the South recorded their first fall in 18 months, driven by Budget uncertainty.

The typical first-time buyer home now costs 5.9 times average earnings – the lowest ratio since 2015.

The income to house price ratio is forecast to fall to 8.2.

The figures suggest caution and price sensitivity in the housing market.