UK residential property price growth decelerated to 1.3% in the year to January 2026, down from 1.9% in the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The average UK house price reached £268,000.
Regional data shows England recorded average prices of £290,000 (up 1.1%), Wales £210,000 (up 2%), and Scotland £188,000 (up 1.3%) over the 12-month period.
Supply increase affects market dynamics
Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, noted that housing supply has increased approximately 6% compared to the previous year, with further listings anticipated. “Buyers now have greater choice. This is helping to keep upward pressure on prices in check, particularly in areas where affordability is already stretched,” he said.
Properties in England and Wales are currently taking an average of 40 days to find a buyer, according to McKenzie, who added that higher-value markets are generally moving more slowly than affordable locations.
Pricing and buyer behaviour
Nick Leeming, Chairman of Jackson-Stops, stated: “Buyers are willing to proceed where value stacks up, the home is well-presented, and the price is right – realistic pricing is king in today’s market.”
Leeming suggested that expectations around interest rates rising through the year may prompt some buyers to complete transactions sooner, though he cautioned that “expectations can change by the day” given geopolitical volatility.
Market stability amid uncertainty
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, commented on the current environment: “Interest rates haven’t reduced at the rate many homeowners and buyers would have hoped for, but what the current landscape is providing is stability.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, highlighted potential headwinds, noting that “many households will likely face considerable pressure from rising fuel and energy costs across the forthcoming months.” He also pointed to the withdrawal of several mortgage products previously offering sub-4% rates, resulting in fewer choices and tighter eligibility criteria.
Regional variations
Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, observed that London has shown “one of the strongest rates of monthly growth, suggesting that whilst the market may be more subdued than the wider national picture, the tide could be now turning.”
Jason Tebb, president of OnTheMarket, confirmed that property values rose by an average of £3,000 on an annual basis in January, with increased activity resulting in a strong start to the year following post-Budget clarity.
The moderation in house price growth reflects a market characterised by increased supply, cautious buyer sentiment, and affordability constraints, with regional performance varying considerably across the UK.