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UK house prices rose more than expected on-year in February, Nationwide reported on Monday. The seasonally adjusted monthly index posted 547.0 points for February, up from 545.4 in January. The average house price, not seasonally adjusted, was £273,176, up from £270,873. UK house prices rose 1.0% on an annual basis in February, surpassing FXStreet-cited consensus for a 0.7% rise, and unchanged from January’s growth rate. Prices rose 0.3% on-month in February, also unchanged from January, and in line with the consensus estimate. ‘This reinforces the view of a modest recovery after a dip at the end of 2025, most likely reflecting uncertainty around potential property tax changes ahead of the Budget,’ commented Nationwide Chief Economist Robert Gardner. ‘Nevertheless, the number of mortgages approved for house purchase remain close to the levels prevailing before the pandemic. ‘Looking across 2025 as whole, total housing market transactions were 10% higher than in 2024...improved affordability and an easing in credit availability has helped to support first-time buyer activity, with mortgage completions up 18% year on year.’ Looking ahead, he added: ‘Housing market activity is likely to recover in the coming quarters, especially if the improving affordability trend seen last year is maintained as expected.’ Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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