UK House Prices Rise 0.3% in February

After a dip at the end of 2025 linked to uncertainty over property tax changes ahead of the Budget, UK house prices have steadied. Nationwide's February 2026 data shows annual house price growth held firm at 1.0% for the second consecutive month, with prices rising 0.3% month-on-month up from £270,873 in January. The monthly index rose to 47.0 from 45.4. Mortgage approvals for house purchases remain close to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a modest but stable recovery. Looking across 2025, total housing market transactions were 10% higher than in 2024. First-time buyer mortgage completions jumped 18% year-on-year. Home mover transactions rose 15% year on year. Cash transactions held steady, accounting for 35% of all purchases in 2025, down from a peak of 42% in 2023.