UK house price growth steady in February - Nationwide
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Monday 02 Mar 2026
(Sharecast News) - UK house price growth held steady in February, according to a survey released by Nationwide on Monday.
House prices were up 0.3% on the month and 1% on the year, unchanged on January.
The average price of a home stood at £273,176 last month, versus £270,873 in January.
Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said: "This reinforces the view of a modest recovery after a dip at the end of 2025, most likely reflecting uncertainty around potential property tax changes ahead of the Budget. Nevertheless, the number of mortgages approved for house purchase remain close to the levels prevailing before the pandemic.
"This reinforces the view of a modest recovery after a dip at the end of 2025, most likely reflecting uncertainty around potential property tax changes ahead of the Budget. Nevertheless, the number of mortgages approved for house purchase remain close to the levels prevailing before the pandemic.
"Looking across 2025 as whole, total housing market transactions were 10% higher than in 2024. As we explored in our Housing Affordability Report, improved affordability and an easing in credit availability has helped to support first-time buyer activity, with mortgage completions up 18% year on year.
"Home mover transactions involving a mortgage have also recovered over the past year, with activity up 15% year on year.
"There has also been a gradual increase in the number of buy to let purchases involving a mortgage, although activity remains quite subdued compared to historic levels, reflecting the continued headwinds impacting this part of the market. For example, the higher interest rate environment tends to exert more of a drag on landlord demand (rather than owner occupier), while changes to the regulatory environment have also impacted landlord sentiment."
Gardner said housing market activity was likely to recover in the coming quarters, especially if the improving affordability trend seen last year is maintained as expected.
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