British house prices fell 0.6% in May, leaving them 1.7% higher than a year earlier, Nationwide reports
Here’s some snap reaction to the news that UK house prices dropped last month for the first time this year:
Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank:
“This is further evidence that the housing market slowed down at precisely the time of year when you would expect momentum to be building. There won’t be a cliff-edge moment, but the impact of higher borrowing costs will erode spending power and squeeze house prices this year as mortgage rates agreed before the Middle East conflict gradually disappear.
With the Bank of England likely to sit on its hands for the foreseeable future, we expect minimal house price growth in 2026, with uncertainty around the Budget and ideological direction of the government likely to keep a lid on activity.”
“Stable house prices will be welcomed by many buyers and sellers looking for greater certainty in the market after a prolonged period of economic volatility. Buyers who need to move are continuing to act decisively, particularly where mortgage rates have stabilised, and supply levels remain constrained.
“Many households are continuing to carefully assess affordability before making decisions, particularly as mortgage costs remain higher than many borrowers have become accustomed to over recent years. However, steady pricing can help support confidence and encourage more balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers.”
“Despite concerns about the conflict in the Middle East, demand continues to hold up for well-priced, high-quality homes and the closer the asking price is to true market value, the greater the likelihood of securing a successful sale. Buyers are not stretching to make offers they don’t believe will be accepted – they are simply choosing alternative properties.
In certain price brackets, buyers have the luxury of choice and vendors need to be mindful of this. While the wider economic backdrop may temper the pace of growth, we are seeing a more price-sensitive market where realism and accurate positioning are key.”
Housing affordability had been improving steadily in recent years due to a combination of income growth outpacing house price growth by a wide margin and a modest decline in borrowing costs.
“While market interest rates have risen in recent months, the impact on affordability has so far been modest. Indeed, swap rates, which underpin fixed‑rate mortgage pricing, remain well below the highs reached in 2023 and are broadly in line with levels prevailing in 2024, implying only a partial reversal of earlier gains.
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