Rightmove Revises 2026 House Price Forecast: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
Rightmove has updated its house price forecast for 2026, and the outlook has shifted since the start of the year.
Back in December 2025, the property portal predicted UK asking prices would rise by around 2% over the course of 2026.
That forecast has now been revised to a fall of up to 2% by the end of the year, with the latest House Price Index showing average asking prices already sitting 1% lower than the same point in 2025.
It is a reminder that the housing market rarely moves in a straight line, and that national headlines only tell part of the story.
What is driving the change
Rightmove points to a mix of factors behind the revised outlook, including shifting mortgage rate expectations, the upcoming Budget at the end of October, and wider global events. Rightmove's property expert Colleen Babcock noted that the first half of 2026 proved more challenging than many expected, with global instability contributing to higher mortgage rates and greater uncertainty for buyers. Even so, she pointed out that almost three-quarters of homes sold so far this year have gone through without needing an asking price reduction, which suggests that well-priced properties are still finding buyers.
A market that varies by region
Perhaps the most important point in the report is that this is a national average, and local markets are telling very different stories. Scotland and the north of England have seen house prices grow year on year, while London and the south of England have seen prices fall. London currently has the widest choice of homes for sale since 2010, meaning sellers there are having to price more competitively to attract buyers.
For anyone trying to understand what is happening to property values in their own area, this regional variation matters far more than the national headline figure.
What this means for buyers
For first-time buyers in particular, there are some genuine positives in the detail. Affordability has improved in places thanks to changes in lender criteria, and in many areas wage growth has outpaced house price growth, opening up opportunities that were not there a year or two ago. The main hurdle for most first-time buyers remains saving a deposit rather than a lack of properties to choose from.
What this means for sellers
For sellers, realistic pricing is more important than ever. With buyers able to access detailed market information and a wider choice of homes in many areas, homes that are priced accurately and presented well continue to sell, even in a softer market. Understanding comparable sales and local demand, rather than relying on national trends, is the key to setting the right expectations.
Why professional advice matters more in a shifting market
Whichever direction average prices are heading nationally, a survey remains one of the most valuable steps in any property transaction. In a market where pricing is more sensitive and conditions vary so much by location, an accurate, independent assessment of a property's condition and value gives both buyers and sellers a much clearer picture to work from than a national forecast ever can.
If you are buying, selling, or simply want to understand the true condition and value of a property in today's market, our team at Carpenter Surveyors is here to help.