I Am The Blog

The latest property news from your online estate agent.

UK House Price Index – April 2026

 

Surprisingly resilient market despite higher mortgage rates due to global uncertainty

 

 

Average new seller asking prices rise by 0.8% (+£2,929) in April to £373,971, smaller than the long-term April average of 1.2%:

Increased mortgage rates and stiff competition to find a buyer are limiting new seller asking price growth this spring, with the number of homes for sale still at an eleven-year high for the time of year

Despite higher mortgage rates due to the global uncertainty, the housing market has remained surprisingly resilient so far:

The latest real-time market snapshot shows that new buyer demand for April to date is 7% below this time last year but consistent with this year’s trend of lagging behind 2025. The number of sales agreed is also resilient, currently at just 3% behind this time last year.

In addition the number of homes newly coming to market is only 1% behind last year, and 13% higher than in 2024.

While the unexpected headwinds of mortgage rate rises dent 2026’s buoyant start there are tailwinds keeping the market moving:

Buyer affordability has benefitted from average earnings being up by 3.9% on last year, outpacing average asking prices which are down 0.9%. A typical mover is also now able to borrow more, due to last year’s review of mortgage lending limits.

Notably buyer demand has held up the strongest in the most mortgage-reliant, typical first-time buyer sector (-6%), suggesting that for now higher mortgage rates are not putting off new potential first-time buyers from enquiring.

The average two-year fixed rate has risen to 5.42%, from 4.25% before the start of the war, adding a monthly average of around £235 to a typical new mortgage 

 

 

Price & activity trend

Regional trends

Affordability trends

 

As we move into spring, I Am The Agent are seeing first-hand just how resilient the UK property market continues to be. New data reflects what many of us on the ground would expect at this time of year a steady, seasonal uplift in asking prices as activity begins to pick up after the quieter winter months.

Average asking prices from new sellers have risen by 0.8 per cent in March, an increase of £3,023, taking the overall average to £371,042. This kind of movement is typical for spring. It’s traditionally one of the busiest periods in the property calendar, and we are already noticing more homeowners choosing to launch their properties now to take advantage of longer days, better weather and a rise in motivated buyers.

That said, the market is behaving quite differently in one key respect stock levels. There are currently more homes available than we’ve seen at this point in the year for over a decade. From our perspective, this is creating a far more competitive landscape. Buyers have more choice, and as a result, price growth is being kept in check. Getting the pricing right from day one has never been more important if you want to generate strong early interest.

Despite wider global uncertainty, the market has remained relatively steady throughout March. Ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict have understandably introduced some caution, particularly among lenders and within financial markets. However, in practical terms, We're still seeing buyers and sellers press ahead with their plans, albeit with a slightly more considered approach.

Looking at real-time insights from I Am The Agent, agreed sales are currently sitting just 2 per cent behind the strong levels recorded at this time last year, and notably around 5 per cent ahead of 2024. From where we stand, that’s a clear sign that the market remains active and healthy.

Supply is also holding up well. The number of new listings coming to market is only marginally down on last year about 3 per cent but still around 7 per cent higher than 2024 levels. This steady flow of properties is giving buyers more options and helping to maintain balance across the market.

Buyer demand, while slightly softer than last year’s particularly busy conditions, has remained stable. Importantly, we haven’t seen any significant drop-off in interest since the onset of the Iran situation, which suggests a degree of underlying confidence remains.

Affordability continues to shape much of the market activity we're seeing day to day. Buyers are highly price-conscious, and it’s the realistically priced homes that are attracting the most attention and securing viewings. There are also clear regional variations.

The North of England, along with Scotland and Wales, is seeing stronger annual price growth, whereas parts of the South where values are typically higher are experiencing more subdued increases. Affordability pressures are simply more pronounced in those southern regions.

For first-time buyers, there may be a small window of opportunity opening up. We've noticed that asking prices within the typical starter home bracket have dipped slightly year-on-year, which could make stepping onto the ladder more achievable, particularly if mortgage rates begin to settle.

Mortgage costs are, of course, still a key consideration. The latest figures from I Am The Agent’s daily tracker show the average two-year fixed rate has risen to 4.51 per cent, up from 4.24 per cent the previous week. This reflects lenders reacting to ongoing uncertainty in global markets.

For anyone thinking of selling, the message we're giving our clients is simple. The market is active and buyers are out there, but competition is higher than it’s been in years. Pricing your property correctly from the outset, combined with a strong marketing approach, is absolutely crucial if you want to stand out and achieve the best result.

At I Am The Agent, we help homeowners take advantage of the full power of the online property market by listing properties on the UK’s leading portals while keeping costs transparent and straightforward. Whether you are planning to sell soon or simply exploring your options, our platform gives you the tools, exposure and flexibility to market your property with confidence.

If you are thinking about selling your home this spring, now could be an excellent time to get started.

Visit I Am The Agent today to learn more about our packages and see how we can help you reach serious buyers across the UK.

 
 

 

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