# House price growth picked up at start of 2026, says Nationwide Building Society

By Aneisha Beveridge — 2026-02-02

Aneisha Beveridge, research director at Hamptons and Connells Group, said: “January often marks a turning point in the housing market, but that feels particularly true this year.

“After a sluggish final quarter of 2025 – when uncertainty around the Budget prompted many buyers and sellers to pause – the year opened on firmer footing.

“The steady drift down in mortgage rates, and the arrival of sub 3.5 per cent deals in particular, have helped unlock a bit more affordability and given new househunters the confidence they’d been lacking.

“That said, it will take time for this renewed interest to translate into completed sales.

“The average home sold in January had been on the market for 97 days, around two weeks longer than this time last year.

“It’s a reminder that many of the homes listed in Q4 2025 needed longer than usual to find a buyer – but that some of that backlog is now beginning to clear.

“In fact, nearly half of the homes sold in January were first listed in the final quarter of last year.

“So while we’re not witnessing a sudden surge, the early signs of 2026 point to a market gradually regaining its rhythm.

“Easing mortgage rates have played a central role in that, and we expect confidence and pricing to slowly build as the year progresses.”

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