Overview

• Halifax reported a 0.3% monthly rise in August, the third consecutive increase, taking the average home price to a record £299,331 as annual growth eased to 2.2%.
• Nationwide’s index showed a 0.1% monthly dip and 2.1% annual growth in August, underscoring short‑term differences between measures.
• Northern Ireland led annual gains at 8.1%, Scotland rose 4.9%, London edged up 0.8%, and the South West fell 0.8% year on year, Halifax said.
• Mortgage approvals reached a six‑month high in July, according to the Bank of England, while Rightmove said newly advertised rents hit a record £1,577 per month.
• Affordability remains a constraint, with the typical first‑time buyer home at £237,577, down 0.6% since May, and some buyers wary of potential tax changes ahead of the 26 November budget.