UK house prices showed little movement in July, with annual growth slowing to 0.1%, the lowest rate recorded since November 2023. The average UK property price slipped slightly from £299,396 in June to £299,253, according to the Lloyds House Price Index.
Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, noted that average house prices have remained relatively stable for almost two years, moving within a narrow range. This trend has continued despite a more uncertain economic backdrop for buyers and sellers this year.
Regionally, Northern Ireland recorded the strongest annual growth at 7.4%, with an average property price of £231,131. Scotland saw prices rise by 3.6% to £223,246, and Wales experienced 1.6% growth, reaching £231,458. In England, the North East and North West saw increases of 2.8% and 2.1% respectively.
Conversely, the South East recorded the sharpest regional decline, with prices falling by 2% to £381,146. Greater London prices dropped by 1.3%, though the capital maintained the highest regional average at £533,930.
Industry experts suggest that rising mortgage costs, political uncertainty over property taxes, and affordability pressures are influencing market activity. Tom Bill of Knight Frank described the usual seasonal increase as a 'sideways drift', while Nathan Emerson of Propertymark highlighted affordability as the main obstacle.