The UK's Pride in Property initiative is returning for 2026, with several major industry partners on board. The campaign, which was first launched in 2019, aims to promote property ownership and raise awareness of the benefits of home ownership. According to the UK's Property Redress Scheme, the number of home owners in the UK has increased by 12% in the past five years, with over 20% of first-time buyers using the Help to Buy scheme to purchase their first home.
Several leading industry names have confirmed their support for the initiative, including property portals, mortgage lenders, and estate agents. The partnership is set to help raise awareness of the benefits of home ownership and provide support to first-time buyers, landlords, and existing homeowners. In particular, the campaign will focus on promoting affordable housing options and providing guidance on the mortgage application process.
In a recent report by Rightmove, the UK property market saw a 10% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2026, with the average house price in the UK standing at £294,000. However, the report also highlighted regional variations, with house prices in the North West averaging £174,000, compared to £444,000 in London. According to Zoopla, the average mortgage rate in the UK currently stands at 2.5%, with some lenders offering rates as low as 1.9% for fixed-term mortgages.
The return of Pride in Property is set to provide a welcome boost to the UK property market, particularly for first-time buyers. With the average deposit required for a first-time buyer standing at £34,000, according to the UK's mortgage lender, Nationwide, the initiative will help raise awareness of the deposit options available, including Help to Buy schemes and shared ownership plans.
For existing homeowners, the campaign will provide guidance on how to navigate the complex process of selling a property, including information on stamp duty and the impact of the UK's new property tax regime. The initiative will also provide support to landlords, helping them to understand their tax obligations and the impact of changes to the UK's rental market.