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UK Asking Prices Log Sharpest November Fall Since 2012 as Budget Jitters Cool Demand

Uncertainty over Rachel Reeves's 26 November Budget has buyers pausing, especially for higher‑value homes.

Overview

  • Rightmove reports average new seller asking prices fell 1.8% in November, a £6,589 drop to £364,833, the largest November decline since 2012.
  • More than a third of listings (34%) have reduced prices with an average 7% cut, alongside a decade‑high stock of homes for sale that is curbing sellers’ pricing power.
  • RICS says buyer enquiries, agreed sales and new instructions weakened further, with surveyors citing Budget speculation as a key factor behind the slowdown.
  • Higher‑value segments are under the most pressure, with sales agreed down 13% for £2m‑plus homes and 8% for £500k–£2m, while sub‑£500k sales are comparatively more resilient.
  • Hamptons finds newly‑let rents fell 0.5% year on year to £1,399 as renewal rents rose 4.0% to £1,310, and EY Item Club forecasts mortgage lending growth easing to 2.8% in 2026.