UK house prices show steady rise

In July 2026, the UK House Price Index (HPI) shows consistent upward movement in property values across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. On average, house prices rose by 0.7% compared to June 2026, marking an annual increase of 1.4%. This places the average property price in the UK at £273,000. In England, average house prices also increased by 0.7% from June, reaching £293,000, although some regions experienced significant variation.

In particular, the East Midlands reported the largest monthly price increase at 1.7%, while the South West experienced a decline of 0.2%. The North East had the most notable annual rise in prices, soaring by 4.9%, whereas London continues to lag, with a substantial annual fall of 3.3%. Average prices differ widely by region with London’s average at £550,000 compared to the North East’s £167,000, demonstrating the stark contrasts in the housing market.

Property types also reflect varied trends, with detached houses averaging £475,000 and flats or maisonettes seeing a slight decrease. In terms of sales, the most repossession activity occurred in London, where there were 26 sales, while the East of England recorded the least at just one sale. Generally, England saw a total of 109 repossession sales in March 2026, a concerning number amid the ongoing economic challenges.

Overall, housing transactions across the UK have faced a slight decline, decreasing by 1.1% compared to July 2025, with 97,000 transactions recorded. While recent data shows price growth, the HPI underscores the importance of considering these figures within a broader economic context. As HM Land Registry emphasises, the fluctuation of the housing market can be influenced by various seasonal and economic factors, underscoring the need for careful analysis of the trends over time.

As the UK prepares for future housing reports, attention will remain on how these trends evolve, particularly in key areas like London and the North East.