Nick Leeming, Chairman of Jackson-Stops, comments in response to the ONS Private Rents and House Price data published today (17 December 2025).

• Average UK house prices increased by 1.7%, to £270,000, in the 12 months to October 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 2.0%, in the 12 months to September 2025.
• Average UK monthly private rents increased by 4.4%, to £1,366, in the 12 months to November 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 5.0% in the 12 months to October 2025.

Nick Leeming, Chairman of national estate agency, Jackson-Stops: "The numbers tell a simple story: the floor is holding, but the froth has gone. Reflecting the month before the Budget, today's ONS figures confirm a market that has been subdued as many waited for fiscal clarity from the Chancellor, but importantly, house prices held their nerve. Market fundamentals keep the wheels turning with prices gently up on the year and remaining stable month-to-month, building a picture of quiet confidence even when under economic strain.

"As we edge into the new year, it is important for sellers to continue to price competitively. This is a precision market, with regional nuances and supply dynamics varying widely between postcodes, putting emphasis on sellers to read it correctly. For buyers, it is likely the Bank of England will reduce interest rates this week and fuel competitive mortgage offers, giving some more leverage and impetus to make their move in January. This is the window buyers have been waiting for - choice, leverage, and stability finally back on their side. Already in the first few weeks of December we have seen a sharp uptick in offers and exchanges, with a continued surge in activity expected in the first quarter of the year.”