By Anthony O. Goriainoff

Property website Rightmove said it expects U.K. house prices to rise next year, but with regional variations.

According to the online real-estate platform, prices are predicted to rise nationally by 2% with lower-priced Scotland, Wales and the north of England expected to be more resilient on price in 2026. London and the south of England are expected to lag behind the rest of the country, it said.

Rightmove said it forecasts the market in 2026 moving closer to the second half of 2025, with improved buyer affordability and a good choice of homes for sale supporting stronger market activity.

The company said first-time buyers will likely benefit from market conditions more than those at the top end of the market. This is as average wage growth outpaces house-price growth, improving buyer affordability, with many first-time buyers being able to borrow more. They will also benefit from the high number of available houses for sale, meaning 2026 will continue to be a buyers' market and first-time buyers will have more negotiating power, it said.

However, this demographic will still face challenges, according to the platform. Many will likely rely on family for help with their deposits, with first-time buyers in the south of England still adjusting to the higher stamp duty property sales charge. Also, despite their downward trend, mortgage rates also remain high, the site said.

"We expect many of those who put their moving plans on hold over the last few months will pick them back up again from Boxing Day [Dec. 26] and into the new year, now the [U.K. government] budget is out the way," Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock said.

Write to Anthony O. Goriainoff at anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 18, 2025 02:44 ET (07:44 GMT)

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