The average house price in Great Britain will rise by 2% next year, according to Rightmove predictions.
The estate agent listing website said new seller asking prices will rise by 2% by the end of 2026, after an unexpected fall in 2025 of 60bps.
Rightmove predicts that the 2026 market will be closer to the second half of this year than the first, with improved buyer affordability and good choice of homes for sale supporting stronger market activity.
However, a more accurate way to look at 2026 house prices is to split them up by regional markets, Rightmove went on.
While Rightmove expects very moderate price growth overall next year, Wales, Scotland and northern England are forecast to perform more strongly than London and the south of England due to affordability and the balance between supply and demand.
House prices will rise 2% across Great Britain, 1% in London, 3% in Scotland and 3% in Wales, Rightmove said.
The firm’s optimistic predictions mirror those of companies such as Jackson-Stops, which expects 2026 house price growth of 2-3% and trade body IMLA, which expects higher mortgage lending.
Many other factors are likely to affect price trends in 2026, from the type and style of the property to its finishings, Rightmove said. In 2025, large homes, particularly detached homes performed more strongly, while smaller properties, especially flats, saw slower price growth.
Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock said: “2026 will be a mix of some key property market themes continuing and other new trends emerging.
“We expect many of those who put their moving plans on hold over the last few months will pick them back up again from Boxing Day and into the new year, now the Budget is out the way.
“We predict the market will look and feel very different depending on which area of Great Britain you’re in, and the type of property you’re looking to sell or buy, with big differences particularly between the south of England and the rest of Great Britain. The market conditions next year will favour typical first-time buyers over those at the top-end of the market.”
