House price inflation in the UK has started to slow, hitting 1.8% in February 2025, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the property market. After a strong recovery period, the growth in available homes for sale is now overtaking the rise in agreed sales, shaping a distinctly different market compared to recent months.
Buyers Gain the Upper Hand
Sales agreed are still up 5% compared to a year ago, signalling strong underlying demand. However, with 11% more homes available than last year, prospective buyers now have greater choice. This increase in supply, notably during the busy spring selling period, means buyers are beginning to reclaim some negotiating power.
Despite robust wage growth, averaging around 6%, affordability pressures persist due to static mortgage rates in the UK. Mortgage rates have stabilised at around 4.4%, a rise from the 4% seen at the close of 2024. According to experts, this stability in rates suggests that the house price inflation UK February 2025 figure is likely to moderate further throughout the year.
Regional Differences: North-South Divide Widens
There’s a notable divergence between property markets in northern England, the Midlands, Scotland, and southern England. Northern regions, such as Wigan, Blackburn, Lancaster, and Bradford, are experiencing more substantial house price inflation, around 3.6% to 3.8%, thanks to sustained high demand outpacing supply. With average prices in these regions between £130,000 and £220,000, affordability remains attractive, encouraging more robust market activity.
In stark contrast, southern regions, including London, the South East, and the South West, face subdued price growth, struggling to exceed a 1% increase. Local areas like Truro and Torquay are even seeing minor price reductions. These southern markets have experienced significant increases in supply, bolstered by policy changes like double council tax on second homes from April 2025.
Plan Insurance can accommodate your Property Owners & Landlord Insurance needs. Just fill in our short call back form, and our professional brokers will be in contact to arrange your insurance.
London’s Stamp Duty Hangover
The London housing market faces its own unique challenge: a post-stamp duty lull. Demand has decreased by 3% compared to last year, primarily driven by first-time buyers who accelerated purchases to avoid higher stamp duty from April 2025. This “stamp duty hangover” has significantly reduced market activity, contrasting sharply with other UK regions.
From April 2025, eight in ten first-time buyers in London will face stamp duty costs, a stark shift from the current scenario where less than half pay this tax. Conversely, areas outside London, particularly the South East and the Midlands, are witnessing increased first-time buyer interest as affordability pushes new buyers out of the capital.
What’s Next for the UK Property Market?
Experts predict steady growth in sales volumes but slower house price inflation throughout 2025. Sellers will need realistic pricing strategies as the market adjusts to the increased supply and stable mortgage conditions. Advice from local estate agents will become increasingly important to navigate this nuanced market.
While UK house prices will continue to rise modestly—projected around 2.5% by year’s end—the market may favour buyers, especially in regions experiencing rapid supply growth.
Find out why 96% of our customers have rated us 4 stars or higher, by reading our reviews on Feefo.