After a few uncertain years for the housing market, there may be some steadier news for homeowners<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What Rightmove Is Predicting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rightmove\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prediction points to a market that is finding its feet again, rather than one that is overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not All Areas Will Perform the Same<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For homeowners, this means local market conditions still matter far more than national averages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why Prices Could Edge Up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rightmove points to several factors supporting modest price growth1<\/sup>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taken together, these factors are expected to support gentle upward pressure on prices, rather than sharp rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What This Means for Homeowners<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is worth remembering that Rightmove\u2019s figures refer to asking prices, not final sale prices, and that forecasts are not guarantees. Individual properties and regions will perform differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The housing market is not surging, but it is not stalling either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rightmove\u2019s 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<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n