Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:53 AM
The average asking price of newly listed homes in the U.K. rose by 2.8% in January, marking the largest increase for that month on record, as market confidence improves following previous budget-related uncertainties.
U.K. house prices are expected to rise in 2026, with Scotland and Northern England showing the strongest growth and sales prospects, according to real-estate website Zoopla.
Consumer sentiment rose slightly in January, though confidence over the U.K.’s economic outlook remains subdued.
Consumers felt a bit better about the economy in January as sentiment lifted off from near-historical lows reached late last year, according to the University of Michigan’s monthly survey.
Home sales rose 5.1% in December for the biggest gain in nearly two years, although 2025 as a whole still ranks as one of the worst sales slumps in decades.
