Halifax House Price Index February 2026
House prices rose in February as market maintains early-year momentum
• House prices increased by +0.3% in February, following a +0.8% rise in January
• Average property price is now £301,151, edging up to another new high
• Annual growth of +1.3% is strongest in four months, up from +1.1% in January
• Northern Ireland and Scotland continue to post highest annual percentage growth
Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, 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 4 months. Since the start of the year, average prices have increased by around £3,000, with a typical property now costing £301,151.
“These latest figures suggest the market has regained some momentum after a softer end to 2025. While industry data for January show a slight easing in new mortgage approvals, overall activity has continued to prove resilient.
“There’s no doubt that affordability remains stretched, supply is constrained, and regional disparities persist. For those without family support, the path to home ownership feels particularly challenging.
“However, conditions have been gradually improving, with easing interest rates and real wage growth helping to support buyer confidence. As ever, timely and expert advice remains key to helping more people achieve their goal of stepping onto the property ladder.
“Looking ahead, geopolitical uncertainties seem set to influence the outlook for inflation and the wider economy. Against that backdrop, markets are now anticipating a more gradual path for interest‑rate reductions. If realised, the speed at which borrowing costs ease may be tempered.”
Nations and regions house prices
Regional differences in house price performance remain significant, with a clear split between
stronger growth in the North and softer conditions in the South.
Northern Ireland continues to lead the UK, with average prices up +6.3% over the past year to
£218,608. Scotland also recorded strong growth, rising +4.7% annually to an average price of
£222,286.
Elsewhere, Wales saw a more modest increase of +2.4% on annual basis, taking the typical home
value to £231,637.
Within England, stronger price growth remains concentrated in northern regions. The North East saw
prices rise +3.5% over the year to £181,838, while the North West recorded annual growth of +2.9%,
with the average home now costing £246,292.
By contrast, the more expensive southern markets continue to see prices ease. The South East led
declines, with prices down -2.2% year‑on‑year to £383,834, while London saw average values fall by –
1.0% to £538,200.
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