UK House Prices 2026: What Is the Average?
The average house price in the United Kingdom is £273,000, up 1.4% over the past year. In England alone the average is £293,479, but the gap within the country is huge. The average home in London costs more than £550,000, while in the North East it is under £167,000. The figures below come from the July 2026 UK House Price Index published jointly by HM Land Registry and the ONS (released on 18 September 2026).
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Average House Prices by Country
| Country | Average price | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £273,000 | +1.4% |
| England | £293,479 | +1.1% |
| Wales | £215,037 | +2.6% |
| Scotland | £196,349 | +2.3% |
| Northern Ireland* | £202,487 | +9.2% |
*Northern Ireland data is published quarterly; the figure is for Q2 2026. Northern Ireland is growing fastest, while England's annual growth is limited to 1.1%.
House Prices by Region in England
| Region | Average price | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| London | £550,037 | -3.3% |
| South East | £380,878 | +0.2% |
| East of England | £337,518 | +0.5% |
| South West | £302,298 | -0.2% |
| West Midlands | £250,880 | +1.5% |
| East Midlands | £242,274 | +1.9% |
| North West | £221,445 | +4.4% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £209,116 | +3.0% |
| North East | £166,943 | +4.9% |
The table shows two different markets. Prices in the expensive south are flat or falling, while the North West (home to Manchester) and the North East (home to Newcastle) are gaining 4–5% a year. The North East is also the cheapest region in England.
Why Are London House Prices Falling?
London is England's most expensive market, but currently its weakest. The average price is down 3.3% year on year, the 11th consecutive month of annual decline. The falls are sharpest in central boroughs: in Kensington and Chelsea the average home costs £1.23 million, down 14% in a year, while Barking and Dagenham, at around £376,000, is the most affordable borough and still rising by 5%. The city's population also fell in 2025, which we look at in our London population article, and you can see listing prices borough by borough on our London house prices page.
Prices by Property Type
| Property type | Average price (UK) | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| Detached | £444,936 | +1.6% |
| Semi-detached | £278,555 | +2.9% |
| Terraced | £231,945 | +2.5% |
| Flat / maisonette | £192,704 | -2.4% |
Flats are the only property type where prices have fallen, largely because a big share of the flat stock is in London, where prices are declining. First-time buyers paid an average of £229,302 across Great Britain.
Tax When Buying a Home in England
Buyers in England and Northern Ireland pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). It is charged in bands: 0% up to £125,000, 2% from £125,001 to £250,000, 5% from £250,001 to £925,000, 10% from £925,001 to £1.5 million and 12% above that. First-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000, but the relief does not apply if the price exceeds £500,000. Scotland and Wales have their own taxes (LBTT and LTT).
Two surcharges matter for overseas buyers. Anyone who has spent fewer than 183 days in the UK in the 12 months before the purchase pays an extra 2% on every band, and a buyer who already owns another home pays a further 5% on every band. For example, a non-resident buying their first home for £550,000 pays £11,000 on top of the standard £17,500, a total of £28,500; if they already own another home, the total rises to £56,000. Current rates are published on gov.uk, and it is worth asking a solicitor for an exact calculation before buying.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in England?
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying homes in England, and buying a property does not grant residency. The purchase is handled through a solicitor and the title is registered with HM Land Registry. Payment plans spread over the construction period are common in new London developments, which makes buying from abroad easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an average house cost in the UK?
According to July 2026 data, the UK average is £273,000 and the England average is £293,479.
Where are house prices cheapest in England?
The North East has the lowest average in England at £166,943. Across the UK, Scotland is the most affordable country at £196,349.
How much are houses in London?
The average house price in London is £550,037, down 3.3% in a year. Borough averages range from about £376,000 to £1.23 million.
How much tax do foreigners pay when buying in England?
On top of the standard SDLT bands, non-residents pay 2%, and buyers who already own another home pay a further 5% on every band.
Are UK house prices rising in 2026?
Overall growth is slow at 1.4% a year. Northern regions are rising by 4–5%, while prices are falling in London and the South West.
Homes for Sale in England
Below you can find apartments and homes for sale that we have selected from new developments in London. Each listing includes location, size and completion details. Contact our advisor about any development you are interested in.
