The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2.8% in the 12 months to May 2026
New guidance has been issued on UK property prices(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)
Property experts have issued new guidance on UK property prices. The forecast comes after new inflation data was released.
Specialists have suggested that mortgage rates could continue their downward trajectory and potential buyers may start re-entering the market, following this week’s announcement that inflation remained unchanged at 2.8% in the 12 months to May.
Nevertheless, they cautioned that people should keep expectations “realistic” and not expect substantial rate reductions despite inflation holding steady and hopes for a Middle East peace settlement.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 2.8% in the 12 months to May 2026, matching the figure from the 12 months to April, according to Wednesday’s figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Looking at month-on-month changes, CPI climbed by 0.2% in May 2026, identical to the rate recorded in May 2025, reports the Express.
Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist, ONS, said: “After last month’s slowdown, inflation held steady in May as various price movements offset each other. The main upward movement came from transport, with airfares, vehicle taxes and petrol prices all pushing up inflation.
“These were offset by lower food prices, with decreases in inflation seen across a range of meat, dairy and vegetable items compared to last month, as well as the cost of domestic heating oil, which fell back after climbing in recent months.”
Chris Barry, director of London-based Thomas Legal, said “mortgage rates will react positively to this news” and that prospective buyers will begin to re-emerge after activity levels ground to a halt when the conflict broke out. He continued: “Buyers have been disappearing since the war in Iran started, so steady inflation in the UK along with an end to the conflict should begin to even out supply and demand in the housing market. This should give the market a boost.”
Rohit Kohli, director of Romsey-based The Mortgage Stop, was surprised by the figures, yet similarly believed they would encourage mortgage rates to continue drifting downwards, though at a cautious pace. He said: “This inflation data is a little surprising, but it is welcome news for borrowers either way, as the Bank of England is now less likely to be forced into a tougher position to combat inflation. Saying that, it is probably still too early for cuts. I would not expect sharp rate reductions from lenders on the back of the data, but the gradual downward tweaks we have seen recently may continue if nothing unexpected knocks confidence.”
Katy Eatenton, mortgage and protection specialist at St Albans-based Eatenton Finance, was in agreement: “Inflation staying the same will not trigger an avalanche of sharp rate cuts, but it should see mortgage pricing continue to move in the right direction, namely down. This week we have definitely seen an increase in enquiries as buyers gain a little more confidence about the economy and general direction of mortgage rates now that the Middle East conflict appears to be over.”
Darani Ganesharajah, mortgage broker at Springtide Capital, hailed the inflation figures as “great news”, noting that several lenders had already trimmed their rates over the past week. She added: “Great news on inflation. Several lenders have cut rates this week, with Santander announcing further reductions to come in effect from Thursday, including on tracker products. Even if a Bank of England rate cut isn’t around the corner, lower tracker margins are helping deliver more competitive options for borrowers.”
Manooch Suree, director of Uxbridge-based Zinga Financial Services, praised the data as “good news”, though warned that the public should not expect aggressive rate reductions or an immediate return to the levels witnessed before the Middle East conflict began. He continued: “For mortgage borrowers, the direction of travel remains downward, but expectations should be realistic – we’re talking about a slow easing in mortgage rates rather than a sharp drop.”
Daniel Hobbs, CEO at Rayleigh-based New Leaf Distribution, also expressed confidence that market activity was set to pick up pace. He said: “The traditionally busy spring property market was hit for six by the war, but now that it’s over and mortgage rates are starting to come down we could see a busier than usual summer for bricks and mortar. A lot of people who put their buying and selling plans on hold may now revisit them and more competitive mortgage rates will likely add to the improvement in sentiment.”
