Private rent growth slows to four-year low
House prices have grown 3.8% year-on-year, according to official figures from the Land Registry.
The average UK house price rose to £270,000 for the 12 months to 30 April 2026. This is up from the 0% recorded in the year to 31 March.
The ONS said the rise in annual inflation between March and April was due to prices decreasing sharply in the same period a year ago due to stamp duty land tax changes which came into effect on 1 April 2025.
The annual price inflation figure was higher than the 1.6% increase in February and the 1% in January. On a month-to-month basis, house prices rose by 0.7% between March and April.
The index also showed average monthly rent inflation was 3.3% in May. This was the down on 3.5% the previous month and the lowest level seen for nearly four years.
Nicky Stevenson, managing director at estate agent Fine & Country, said: “Looking ahead, the key question is whether this modest monthly growth can be sustained through the summer.
”While many Brits may put their househunting on pause for a summer holiday, this is also a time when buyers tend to be more motivated to get the keys to their new home before the colder months settle in.”
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