"Housing market activity and sentiment have continued to pick up this year, with buyers and sellers proceeding with their moves with more clarity and confidence, particularly as the spring forecast has not attracted anything like the same level of negative speculation as November's budget."
"The latest house price figures pointed to a modest recovery after a dip at the end of 2025 driven by uncertainty around potential property tax changes ahead of the budget. Housing market activity is likely to recover in the coming quarters, especially if the improving affordability trend seen last year is maintained as expected."
"Improved affordability and an easing in mortgage availability has helped to support first-time buyer activity. Housing market transactions climbed 10% last year compared with 2024."
UK house prices increased 0.3% in February to an average of £273,176, matching January's growth and exceeding analyst forecasts of 0.2%. Annual growth remained steady at 1%. The spring forecast has not triggered the market slowdown seen before November's budget, with buyers and sellers showing increased confidence. Housing market transactions climbed 10% in 2024 compared to 2023. Improved affordability and easing mortgage availability have supported first-time buyer activity. Economists expect continued recovery in coming quarters if affordability improvements continue, following a dip at the end of 2025 driven by uncertainty around potential property tax changes.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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