The latest house price reports suggest that the housing market has continued to show resilience despite wider economic uncertainty and ongoing affordability pressures.
While there are still mixed signals across the different indices, activity levels appear to have remained relatively stable and there are signs that confidence has improved slightly following expectations of lower mortgage rates earlier in the year.
Here’s a clear snapshot from the main indices covering April and early May 2026.
Halifax House Price Index
According to the latest Halifax House Price Index, annual house price growth slowed slightly to +0.4%.
The report stated that the average UK property price stood at £299,313, with a monthly movement of -0.1%.
Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, said:
“The market continues to show resilience despite ongoing affordability challenges and wider economic uncertainty.”
Halifax noted that higher borrowing costs and inflation concerns are still affecting affordability. However, demand levels have remained relatively stable compared to recent years.
Nationwide House Price Index
The latest Nationwide House Price Index reported that annual house price growth increased to +3.0%, up from +2.2% the previous month.
Nationwide also reported monthly growth of +0.4%.
Commenting on the figures, Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said:
“Despite the uncertainty caused by developments in the Middle East and the subsequent rise in energy prices, the UK housing market has continued to regain momentum following the slowdown recorded around the turn of the year.”
Nationwide added that activity has remained reasonably resilient, although wider economic conditions and energy costs remain important considerations for the months ahead.
Rightmove House Price Index
The latest Rightmove House Price Index, which focuses on asking prices, stated that average asking prices increased by +1.2% in May.
Rightmove reported that the average asking price reached £378,304, representing the largest May increase in the last decade.
Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said:
“Market confidence has remained surprisingly strong despite ongoing global uncertainty and cost of living pressures.”
The report also highlighted that lower mortgage pricing earlier in the year had helped support buyer confidence and activity levels.
Hometrack / Zoopla House Price Index
The latest Zoopla House Price Index reported annual UK house price growth of +1.3%.
The report stated that average UK house prices now stand at approximately £271,500.
Zoopla suggested that affordability remains a key factor in limiting stronger price growth, although improved mortgage availability has continued to support overall activity levels.
Our Thoughts
The latest reports continue to paint a picture of a market that is stable rather than booming.
While there is still uncertainty surrounding inflation, global events and future interest rate decisions, activity levels have remained more resilient than many expected earlier in the year.
We are still seeing competitive situations in certain areas and price brackets, particularly where properties are priced realistically and presented well.
At the same time, supply levels remain relatively high which means buyers continue to have choice and sellers need to remain sensible with pricing expectations.
If mortgage rates remain reasonably stable over the coming months, this could continue to support steady levels of activity as we move further into the summer period.
Information correct at time of writing – May 2026.
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