Industry Response to Halifax House Price Index

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Industry response to the Halifax House Price Index December 2025

The latest index shows that: –

  • On a monthly basis, house prices fell by 0.6% between November and December of last year.
  • Annually, house prices were up 0.3% versus this time last year, although this annual rate of growth had slowed from 0.7% the previous month.

 

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments:

“A modest fall in house prices highlights that affordability pressures are still weighing on the market, despite recent improvements in mortgage rates. Overall, there is still a sense of consumer caution lingering within the marketplace, mostly in respect of wider economic considerations, such as the rate of inflation and how this directly impacts affordability for many.

“While price softening may help some buyers, especially first-time buyers, a sustainable recovery will depend on further rate stability, income growth, and addressing the chronic undersupply of homes.”

 

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented:

“A monthly drop in house prices during December may seem like the proverbial lump of coal, but it is simply a case of seasonality and the underlying feeling currently pulsing through the market is one of optimism.

With the political uncertainty of the Budget having now evaporated and interest rates trending downwards, the nation’s buyers are re-entering the market with renewed vigour, and the outlook for 2026 is a positive one.”

 

Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, commented:

“A marginal monthly dip in December is not unusual and largely reflects the seasonal slowdown that comes with the Christmas period, when both buyers and sellers tend to pause their plans.

Importantly, the backdrop has improved considerably. With Autumn Budget uncertainty now behind us and interest rates falling just before Christmas, buyer confidence has strengthened, and we are already seeing a notable uplift in market activity. This renewed momentum should provide support for house prices as we move through 2026.”

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