Nick Leeming, Chairman of Jackson-Stops, comments in response to the ONS Private Rents and House Price data published today, which showed that average UK house prices increased by 1.4%, to £273,000, in the 12 months to July 2026.

• Average UK house prices increased by 1.4%, to £273,000, in the 12 months to July 2026 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 1.5% in the 12 months to June 2026.
• Average UK monthly private rent increased by 3.8%, to £1,400, in the 12 months to August 2026 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is up from 3.7% in the 12 months to July 2026.

"Today’s figures point to a market where realistic pricing increasingly determines which homes sell and those that stall. Across our network, we are seeing a number of properties coming to market with us when they have struggled to secure a buyer with other agents. In many of these cases, getting the price right for current market conditions is proving key to generating renewed interest and ultimately achieving a sale.

“Buyers are still there, but they are informed, selective and have more choice. That means sellers cannot rely on testing the market at an ambitious price and expecting buyers to follow. Homes that are well presented and realistically priced are attracting attention, while those that start too far ahead of buyer expectations risk losing momentum during the crucial first weeks of marketing.

“This is not a market without demand, but it is one in which price and strategy matter considerably. With borrowing costs and the wider cost of moving continuing to shape affordability, sellers who are serious about moving need to respond to the market ahead of them rather than the market of a year or two ago.”