After a few uncertain years for the housing market, there may be some steadier news for homeowners

According to new figures from Rightmove, UK house prices are expected to rise by around 2 per cent during 2026, marking a modest improvement after a relatively flat period¹.

It is not a return to the rapid price growth of the past, but it does suggest the market is settling into a more stable phase.

What Rightmove Is Predicting

Rightmove’s forecast is based on data from millions of property listings across the UK and reflects the prices sellers are asking when homes first come to market.

The property website says average new seller asking prices are likely to increase by around 2 per cent over the course of 2026, following a small overall fall in prices during 2025¹.

The prediction points to a market that is finding its feet again, rather than one that is overheating.

Not All Areas Will Perform the Same

Rightmove also highlights that house price movements are unlikely to be uniform across the country. More affordable regions, including parts of Scotland, Wales and northern England, are expected to see slightly stronger price growth. In contrast, higher-priced areas such as London and the South East may see slower movement, reflecting ongoing affordability pressures¹.

For homeowners, this means local market conditions still matter far more than national averages.

Why Prices Could Edge Up

Rightmove points to several factors supporting modest price growth¹:

• Buyers are gradually adjusting to higher mortgage rates compared with the ultra-low levels seen during the pandemic
• A wider choice of properties is helping buyers find homes within their budgets
• Greater economic stability is improving confidence among movers

Taken together, these factors are expected to support gentle upward pressure on prices, rather than sharp rises.

What This Means for Homeowners

For most homeowners, a 2 per cent rise would not be life-changing. But it does suggest that property values are likely to remain broadly stable, with some gradual growth rather than further widespread falls.

This can be reassuring for those planning ahead, whether that means reviewing finances, considering a future move or simply wanting confidence that their property value is holding up.

It is worth remembering that Rightmove’s figures refer to asking prices, not final sale prices, and that forecasts are not guarantees. Individual properties and regions will perform differently.

The Bottom Line

The housing market is not surging, but it is not stalling either.

Rightmove’s forecast suggests 2026 could be a year of modest, steady growth rather than big swings in either direction. For homeowners, that points to a more balanced market where careful planning matters more than timing the market perfectly¹.

References:

1. Rightmove (2025). 2026 Our 2026 UK House Price Predictions & Forecast | Property news. Available at: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/2026-uk-house-price-predictions/            [Accessed 26 Jan. 2026].

‌Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 29^th January 2026. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

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