Executive summary
- Lowest mortgage rates for 15 months boost sales market activity
- Buyer demand and sales agreed up by over a quarter since 2023
- Buyers remain price-sensitive, which is keeping price rises in check
- UK house prices up 0.7%, from -0.3% a year ago
- House prices are rising by up to 2.5% in more affordable areas
- Almost a third of homes for sale are ‘chain-free’ as investors and second home owners sell in face of recent and possible tax changes
- Some coastal and rural areas see supply of homes for sale up 40% on last year
- The outlook is for modest price growth and steady growth in sales
