>> Key property market highlights:

• House prices have experienced an average growth of 0.9% year-on-year*   

• Average rent on new lets is £1,382 per month^   

• Rental prices have increased by  4.1% compared to this time last year^   

• Northern regions continue to shine, with the North West recording yearly growth of 3.1%*   

• The average house price in the UK now sits at £272,800*  

As we head into autumn, the UK property market is holding up well. Despite a summer marked by political uncertainty, searches for homes are 7% higher than a year ago - the strongest annual increase we've seen in 12 months. * 

That said, it's not all straightforward. Sales agreed are still 6% lower compared to this time last year*, which tells us that while buyer interest is growing, some hesitation remains when it comes to completing deals. 

On the pricing front, there's some positive news. House prices have risen by 0.9% nationally, bringing the average UK home value to £272,800*. It's a modest but encouraging sign of stability across the market. 

Regionally, the picture is varied. The North West is leading the way on annual price growth, recording a 3.1% rise. Strong local demand and relative affordability are making these areas increasingly appealing to buyers. Meanwhile, London has seen a slight dip, with prices falling by 1% - a reminder that the market doesn't move uniformly across the country. * 

What this means for sellers

For the first time since August 2025, property searches are up compared to a year ago across every region and country in the UK, showing that buyers are starting to come back. The biggest increases in buyer interest have been in the South East, up 8.9%, and the East of England, up 8.5%, while the North West has seen the smallest increase at 0.7%. * 

If you're thinking about selling, getting your pricing right from the start and making a great first impression are key to standing out in today's competitive market. Find out how much your home could sell for with an expert valuation.  

What this means for buyers

If you're thinking about buying a new home, now could be a great time to take the next step. There are more properties on the market than this time last year, meaning you have a wider selection of homes to explore and consider. 

The good news is that mortgage rates have eased from their April high and currently sit at 4.8%. For well-prepared buyers who are realistic about their budget, that means greater flexibility than they had a year ago. 

Your regional property market overview

The gap between northern and southern property markets is still very much a talking point, with more affordable areas in the north continuing to attract attention. 

The North West is leading the way, while Scotland follows closely behind with an annual house price growth of 2.8%, and the North East rounding out the top three at 2.5%. 

In the south, things are a little quieter. London has seen a slight decline of 1%, while the South West is down 0.4% and the South East is showing a marginal decrease of 0.3%. 

The Midlands are showing some real promise, with the East Midlands recording 0.8% annual growth and the West Midlands delivering a stronger 1.5%. Wales is also worth keeping an eye on, outperforming the national average with annual house price growth of 2.1%.* 

Your UK rental market snapshot

The latest rental figures paint a clear picture of a market that continues to grow. The average monthly rent across the UK, including London, has reached £1,382 per calendar month (pcm), representing a 4.1% increase year-on-year and a 0.9% rise from the previous month.^  

Excluding London, average rents for newly agreed tenancies have risen 0.8% month-on-month to £1,179 pcm, with a 3.4% increase year-on-year. In London, rents have climbed to £2,238 pcm, up 1.4% on the previous month and a notable 5.1% higher than this time last year.^  

The South West is showing the highest growth, recording an annual increase of 5.2%, followed closely by London at 5.1%, and Scotland continues to sit above the national average, with rents rising 4.2% year-on-year.^  

Elsewhere, growth has been a little more measured. The North West has seen rents rise by 2.4% annually, with average rents currently sitting at £1,117  pcm. The  West Midlands has recorded annual growth of 2.5%, with average rents at £1,062pcm, while the South East has seen a 3.2% increase, bringing average rents to £1,487 pcm.^