Published 28th May 2026

Executive summary

• Sales agreed 1% ahead of last year despite buyer demand being down 10%, as committed home movers support sales
• There are 6% fewer first-time buyer enquiries – those active are targeting homes worth £10,000 more than last year (+4.3%)
• UK house price inflation edges higher to 1.5%
• House prices are flat to negative in London and southern regions and increasing by more than 3%+ across northern regions
• Housing market activity is holding up in the face of uncertainty, but with fewer buyers the outlook remains finely balanced
• Sellers should seek advice from an estate agent to help inform their home moving decisions as accurate pricing is essential

See our London House Price Index and detailed price metrics for 65 cities.