UK house prices rose in February, extending the housing market’s early-year momentum, according to the data from lender Halifax.
The Halifax House Price Index showed prices increased by +0.3% in February, following a +0.8% rise in January. The average property price reached £301,151, marking another record level. Annual growth accelerated to +1.3%, the strongest rate in four months.
Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: “The housing market built on its steady start to the year in February, with average prices rising by +0.3%, following an increase of +0.8% in January. Annual growth also picked up to +1.3%, its strongest rate for four months. Since the start of the year, average prices have increased by around £3,000, with a typical property now costing £301,151.”
Bryden said the figures indicate the market has regained some momentum after a softer end to 2025. She noted that mortgage approvals eased slightly in January, but activity remained resilient.
Housing activity data showed mixed conditions. UK residential transactions totalled 94,680 in January 2026, down -5.0% from December. On a year-on-year basis, seasonally adjusted transactions were -0.8% lower than January 2025. Mortgage approvals for house purchases also declined in January, falling -1.7% to 59,999, and were -9.6% lower year-on-year.
Bryden said affordability remains stretched and supply remains constrained. She added that easing interest rates and real wage growth have helped support buyer confidence in recent months.
Regional differences in price performance remained significant. Northern Ireland recorded the strongest annual growth, with prices up +6.3% to £218,608. Scotland saw prices rise +4.7% to £222,286.
Within England, northern regions also showed stronger growth. Prices in the North East rose +3.5% year-on-year to £181,838, while the North West recorded +2.9% growth to £246,292.
Southern markets showed weaker conditions. The South East recorded a -2.2% annual decline to £383,834, while London prices fell -1% to £538,200.
