Overview
- ONS data show annual house-price growth eased to 2.6% in the year to September, with the average UK home valued around £272,000.
- Regional divergence persisted, with Yorkshire and the Humber up 4.5% while London recorded a 1.8% annual fall.
- Average private rent reached £1,360 in October, up 5.0% year on year, as rental inflation eased for a tenth consecutive month.
- CPI inflation slowed to 3.6% in October from 3.8% in September, and commentators say this could bring a Bank of England rate cut closer.
- Industry figures report successive fixed-rate mortgage cuts as lenders pass on improved funding costs, a shift that may aid first-time buyers but temper equity gains for sellers.