UK House Price Growth Picks Up in January

The Halifax House Price Index showed UK house prices rose 1% year-on-year in January 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 0.4% gain in December, marking the largest increase in three months. The average UK home surpassed £300,000 for the first time, reaching £300,077. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.7%, more than the expected 0.1% growth, and reversing a 0.5% fall in December. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, said the market entered 2026 on a steady footing, with the monthly rise reflecting resilience despite affordability challenges. Stronger wage growth and more mortgage deals below 4% are supporting buyers, and Halifax expects prices to edge up 1%–3% in 2026. Regionally, Northern Ireland led growth at 5.9%, followed by Scotland (5.4%) and the North West (2.1%). Southern regions, including London, the South East, South West, and Eastern England, saw annual declines of over 1%, reflecting higher borrowing costs and affordability pressures.