Zoopla reports three-year high in home moves but price growth cools

The UK recorded a three-year high for home moves in 2025 as price growth cooled, according to Zoopla.

According to the property website’s latest house price index, 1.2 million homes were sold in 2025, the highest number since 2022.

The average price index the UK stood at £270,300 as of November 2025, a rise of 1.1% over the past year. However, this marked a slowing of growth, with the previous year’s rise being 1.9%.

Growth is expected to rebound, but not entirely, in 2026. Zoopla is forecasting a 1.5% house price growth rate across roughly 1.18 million sales.

There was a marked divergence between the north and south of England, with the latter registering moderate price falls of 0.6% in 2025. In the north west, house prices increased 2.9%. 

Zoopla predicted this north-south divide would continue in 2026.

Responding to the figures, Steve Griffiths, commercial director for retail mortgages at Shawbrook, said: “Home buyers and sellers have breathed a sigh of relief post Autumn Budget, as no major tax changes were announced, leading to an uplift in activity as a result. 

“The much rumoured annual property tax led to subdued activity in the South of England, giving buyers a prime opportunity to either get on the property ladder or climb up a rung.”

Griffith said sentiment about 2026 was “fairly positive”, with the base rate drop encouraging buyers to “prioritise their own property ambitions”.