UK House Prices Rise More Than Expected

The Halifax House Price Index in the UK rose 1.9% year-on-year in October 2025, accelerating from a 1.3% increase in September and above the expected 1.45% gain. The average property value is now at a record of £299,862. On a monthly basis, prices grew 0.6%, the sharpest since January, following a 0.3% fall and well above the forecast of a 0.1% rise. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, said buyer demand remained strong despite market uncertainty. Affordability challenges persist, with average fixed mortgage rates around 4%, but many buyers are using smaller deposits and longer terms. Rising living costs also squeeze incomes, yet the market has remained resilient. Regionally, Northern Ireland led growth at +8.0% (£219,646), followed by Scotland +4.4% (£216,051), Wales +2.0% (£229,558), and the North East +4.1% (£180,924). London and the South East saw slight annual declines (-0.3% and 0.1%), though London remains the priciest at £542,273.