Just as in many other countries, the housing market in the UK grew substantially during the coronavirus pandemic, fueled by robust demand and low borrowing costs. Nevertheless, high inflation and the increase in mortgage rates has led to house price growth slowing down. According to the forecast, 2024 is expected to see house prices decrease by three percent. Between 2024 and 2028, the average house price growth is projected at 2.7 percent. A contraction after a period of continuous growth In June 2022, the UK's house price index exceeded 150 index points, meaning that since 2015 which was the base year for the index, house prices had increased by 50 percent. In just two years, between 2020 and 2022, the index surged by 30 index points. As the market stood in December 2023, the average price for a home stood at approximately 284,691 British pounds. Rents are expected to continue to grow According to another forecast, the prime residential market is also expected to see rental prices grow in the next years. Growth is forecast to be stronger in 2024 and slow down in the period between 2025 and 2028. The rental market in London is expected to follow a similar trend, with Central London slightly outperforming Greater London.

House prices in the UK rose dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, with growth slowing down in 2022 and turning negative in 2023. The year-on-year annual house price change peaked at 14 percent in July 2022. In June 2024, house prices increased by 2.7 percent. According to the Nationwide Building Society, the average house price exceeded 265,000 British pounds in 2022. Correction in housing prices: a European phenomenon The trend of a growing residential real estate market was not exclusive to the UK during the pandemic. Likewise, many European countries experienced falling prices in 2023. When comparing residential property RHPI (price index in real terms, e.g. corrected for inflation), countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain also saw prices decline. Sweden, one of the countries with the fastest growing residential markets, saw one of the largest declines in prices. How has demand for UK housing changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus? The easing of the lockdown was followed by a dramatic increase in home sales. In November 2020, the number of mortgage approvals reached an all-time high of over 107,000. One of the reasons for the housing boom were the low mortgage rates, allowing home buyers to take out a loan with an interest rate as low as 2.5 percent. That changed as the Bank of England started to raise the base lending rate, resulting in higher borrowing costs and a decline in homebuyer sentiment.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• UK house prices grew 3.8% YoY in Feb 2025, following an increase of 4.0% YoY in the previous month.
• YoY growth data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1992 to Feb 2025, with an average growth rate of 4.3%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 26.4% in Jan 2003 and a record low of -17.5% in Feb 2009.

In 2022, house price growth in the UK slowed, after a period of decade-long increase. Nevertheless, in August 2024, prices reached a new peak, with the average home costing close to 290,000 British pounds. That figure refers to all property types, including detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, and flats and maisonettes. Compared to other European countries, the UK had some of the highest house prices. How have UK house prices increased over the last 10 years? Property prices have risen dramatically over the past decade. According to the UK house price index, the average house price has grown by over 50 percent since 2015. This price development has led to the gap between the cost of buying and renting a property to close. In 2023, buying a three-bedroom house in the UK was no longer more affordable than renting one. Consequently, Brits have become more likely to rent longer and push off making a house purchase until they have saved up enough for a down payment and achieved the financial stability required to make the step. What caused the decline in house prices in 2022? House prices are affected by multiple factors, such as mortgage rates, supply, and demand on the market. For nearly a decade, the UK experienced uninterrupted house price growth as a result of strong demand and a chronic undersupply. Homebuyers who purchased a property at the peak of the housing boom in July 2022 paid 14 percent more compared to what they would have paid a year before. Additionally, 2022 saw the most dramatic increase in mortgage rates in recent history. Between December 2021 and December 2022, the 10-year fixed mortgage rate doubled, adding further strain to prospective homebuyers. As a result, the market cooled, leading to a correction in pricing.

Average House Prices in the United Kingdom decreased to 298602 GBP in February from 298815 GBP in January of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Average House Prices.

High level summary of the annual mix-adjusted weights used in the production of the UK House Price Index for the period 2005 to 2024.

The average house price in England started to increase in the first half of 2024, after falling by over three percent year-on-year in December 2023. In June 2024, the house price index amounted to 149.7 index points, suggesting an increase in house prices of 2.4 percent since the same month in 2023 and a roughly 50 percent rise since 2015 - the baseline year for the index. Among the different regions in the UK, West and East Midlands experienced the strongest growth.

The UK residential real estate market, valued at approximately £360.27 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. Strong population growth, particularly in urban centers, fuels consistent demand for housing, while low interest rates and government initiatives aimed at boosting homeownership further stimulate market activity. The market is segmented into apartments and condominiums, and landed houses and villas, with each segment exhibiting unique growth trajectories. Apartments and condominiums, particularly in London and other major cities, are expected to see higher demand due to affordability concerns and lifestyle preferences, while landed houses and villas continue to appeal to those seeking more space and privacy, particularly in suburban or rural areas. Competition among major developers such as Berkeley Group, Barratt Developments, and others influences pricing and construction activity. While challenges exist, such as fluctuating economic conditions and rising construction costs, the overall outlook for the UK residential real estate market remains positive. The market's performance is also influenced by broader economic factors, such as inflation and employment rates, and is likely to see regional variations, with London and the South East generally commanding higher prices. The market's growth is expected to continue through 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.75%. This growth will likely be influenced by factors such as evolving demographic trends (including increasing urbanization and family sizes), government policies impacting the housing market, and technological advancements impacting the construction and sales processes. International investment continues to play a significant role, especially in prime London properties. However, the market is susceptible to external shocks, such as changes in interest rates or economic downturns. Understanding these factors is crucial for investors and stakeholders operating within the UK residential real estate sector. Market analysis suggests continued demand for sustainable and energy-efficient housing, influencing the development of future projects. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the UK residential real estate market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and a forecast period spanning 2025-2033, this research offers invaluable insights for investors, developers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate this dynamic market. The report leverages extensive data analysis, covering key segments, emerging trends, and major players, to provide a clear understanding of market dynamics and future growth potential. High-search-volume keywords like UK property market, UK house prices, London property market, UK residential real estate investment, build-to-rent UK, multifamily UK, and UK housing market forecast are integrated throughout to ensure maximum online visibility. Recent developments include: May 2023: A UAE-based investment manager, Rasmala Investment Bank, has launched a USD 2bn ( €1.8bn) UK multifamily strategy for a five-year period to build a USD 2bn portfolio of UK residential properties. The strategy is focused on the UK market for multifamily properties through a Shariah-compliant investment vehicle, initially targeting the serviced apartment (SAP) and BTR (build-to-rent) subsectors within and around London. Seeded by Rasmala Group, the strategy is backed by an active investment pipeline for the next 12 – 18 months., November 2022: ValuStrat, a Middle East consulting company, increased its foothold in the UK by acquiring an interest in Capital Value Surveyors, a real estate advisory services company with offices in London. The UK continues to be one of the most established real estate markets worldwide and attracts foreign investors regularly. They are excited to expand their presence there to better serve all of their clients, both in the UK and the Middle East.. Key drivers for this market are: Demand for New Dwellings Units, Government Initiatives are driving the market. Potential restraints include: Supply Chain Disruptions, Lack of Skilled Labour. Notable trends are: Increasing in the United Kingdom House Prices.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• EU house prices grew 3.8% YoY in Sep 2024, following an increase of 3.0% YoY in the previous quarter.
• YoY growth data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2006 to Sep 2024, with an average growth rate of 3.6%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 11.2% in Dec 2006 and a record low of -4.8% in Jun 2009.

The simple average house price in the UK was higher for existing dwellings than for newly built ones in 2023. In that year, the average price for new housing amounted to 326,000 British pounds, while for existing housing, the price was 331,000 British pounds. Prices also varied for different types of property, with flats or maisonettes in converted houses being the most affordable.

The UK housing market continued to show significant regional variations in 2024, with London maintaining its position as the most expensive city for homebuyers. The average house price in the capital stood at 519,579 British pounds in October, nearly double the national average of 292,059 British pounds. However, the market dynamics are shifting, with London experiencing only a modest 0.2 percent annual increase, while other cities like Newcastle upon Tyne and Belfast saw more substantial growth of 8.8 percent and 6.8 percent respectively. Affordability challenges and market slowdown Despite the continued price growth in many cities, the UK housing market is facing headwinds. The affordability of mortgage repayments has become the biggest barrier to property purchases, with the majority of the respondents in a recent survey citing it as their main challenge. Moreover, a rising share of Brits have reported affordability as a challenge since 2021, reflecting the impact of rising house prices and higher mortgage rates. The market slowdown is evident in the declining housing transaction volumes, which have plummeted since 2021. European context The stark price differences are mirrored in the broader European context. While London boasts some of the highest property prices among European cities, a comparison of the average transaction price for new homes in different European countries shows a different picture. In 2023, the highest prices were found in Austria, Germany, and France.

United Kingdom House Price: Qtr: UK: Adjusted for Inflation data was reported at 214,578.383 GBP in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 211,792.212 GBP for Mar 2018. United Kingdom House Price: Qtr: UK: Adjusted for Inflation data is updated quarterly, averaging 60,170.285 GBP from Mar 1975 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 174 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 214,578.383 GBP in Jun 2018 and a record low of 10,387.877 GBP in Mar 1975. United Kingdom House Price: Qtr: UK: Adjusted for Inflation data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Nationwide. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.P001: House Price: Nationwide.

United Kingdom Average House Prices: England: North West data was reported at 168,261.000 GBP in May 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 167,685.000 GBP for Apr 2020. United Kingdom Average House Prices: England: North West data is updated monthly, averaging 137,256.000 GBP from Jan 2005 (Median) to May 2020, with 185 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 168,261.000 GBP in May 2020 and a record low of 117,630.000 GBP in Feb 2005. United Kingdom Average House Prices: England: North West data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by HM Land Registry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.EB016: Average House Prices: HM Land Registry.

United Kingdom Average House Prices: Wales data was reported at 169,436.000 GBP in May 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 166,553.000 GBP for Apr 2020. United Kingdom Average House Prices: Wales data is updated monthly, averaging 136,710.000 GBP from Jan 2005 (Median) to May 2020, with 185 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 169,436.000 GBP in May 2020 and a record low of 121,070.000 GBP in Feb 2005. United Kingdom Average House Prices: Wales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by HM Land Registry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.EB016: Average House Prices: HM Land Registry.

United Kingdom House Price Index: UK data was reported at 539.604 1Q1993=100 in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 535.056 1Q1993=100 for Jan 2025. United Kingdom House Price Index: UK data is updated monthly, averaging 324.070 1Q1993=100 from Jan 1991 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 410 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 546.103 1Q1993=100 in Aug 2022 and a record low of 98.950 1Q1993=100 in Nov 1992. United Kingdom House Price Index: UK data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Nationwide. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.EB027: House Price Index: First Quarter of 1993=100: Nationwide. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

FOCUSON**LONDON**2011: HOUSING:A**GROWING**CITY

With the highest average incomes in the country but the least space to grow, demand for housing in London has long outstripped supply, resulting in higher housing costs and rising levels of overcrowding. The pressures of housing demand in London have grown in recent years, in part due to fewer people leaving London to buy homes in other regions. But while new supply during the recession held up better in London than in other regions, it needs to increase significantly in order to meet housing needs and reduce housing costs to more affordable levels.

This edition of Focus on London authored by James Gleeson in the Housing Unit looks at housing trends in London, from the demand/supply imbalance to the consequences for affordability and housing need.

REPORT:

Read the report in PDF format.

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PRESENTATION:

How much pressure is London’s popularity putting on housing provision in the capital? This interactive presentation looks at the effect on housing pressure of demographic changes, and recent new housing supply, shown by trends in overcrowding and house prices. Click on the start button at the bottom of the slide to access.

View Focus on London - Housing: A Growing City on Prezi

HISTOGRAM:

This histogram shows a selection of borough data and helps show areas that are similar to one another by each indicator.

Histogram

MOTION CHART:

This motion chart shows how the relationship, between key housing related indicators at borough level, changes over time.

Motion Chart

MAP:

These interactive borough maps help to geographically present a range of housing data within London, as well as presenting trend data where available.

MAP

DATA:

All the data contained within the Housing: A Growing City report as well as the data used to create the charts and maps can be accessed in this spreadsheet.

FACTS:

Some interesting facts from the data…

● Five boroughs with the highest proportion of households that have lived at their address for less than 12 months in 2009/10:

1. Westminster – 19 per cent
2. Wandsworth – 17 per cent
3. Camden – 16 per cent
4. Lambeth – 14 per cent
5. Southwark – 13 per cent

-31. Harrow – 6 per cent

-32. Havering – 5 per cent

● Five boroughs with the highest percentage point increase between 2004 and 2009 of households in the ‘private rented’ sector:

1. Newham – 17 per cent
2. Greenwich – 11 per cent
3. Enfield – 10 per cent
4. Camden – 9 per cent
5. Harrow – 8 per cent

-32. Islington – 1 per cent

-33. Bexley – 1 per cent

● Five boroughs with the highest percentage difference in median house prices between 2007 Q4 and 2010 Q4:

1. Kensington & Chelsea – 29 per cent
2. Westminster – 19 per cent
3. Camden – 15 per cent
4. Islington – 14 per cent
5. Southwark – 10 per cent

-31. Newham – down 9 per cent

-32. Barking & D’ham – down 9 per cent

High level summary of the annual mix-adjustment weights used in the production of the ONS House Price Index for the period 2007 to 2016.

Housing prices and number of transactions by dwelling type.

House sales not at full market value are excluded.

Ownership of this dataset remains with the Communities and Local Government (CLG). Information can only be reproduced if the source is fully acknowledged.

The Land Registry (LR) and CLG have provided these datasets drawn from the Land Register.

Information on outliers, that is transactions involving a very low or very high price, is included so that users can take their impact into account when using the data.

Available for Middle Layer Super Output Area (MSOA).

See more on the ONS website.

House Price Index: All Buyers: sa data was reported at 726.900 1983=100 in Nov 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 736.900 1983=100 for Oct 2018. House Price Index: All Buyers: sa data is updated monthly, averaging 278.600 1983=100 from Jan 1983 (Median) to Nov 2018, with 431 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 743.700 1983=100 in Jul 2018 and a record low of 96.100 1983=100 in Jan 1983. House Price Index: All Buyers: sa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Halifax and Bank of Scotland Plc. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.EB006: House Price Index: HBOS Plc.