UK house prices increased by 3.8% year-on-year in April 2026, reaching an average of £270,000. Property transactions surged 53.2% from the previous year, indicating market recovery. The North East saw the highest annual growth, while London experienced the largest monthly rise despite annual declines.
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsAcross the UK, house prices are rising faster in the north of the country, and falling parts of the South.Halifax reports:Northern Ireland still leads UK annual house price growth, with average prices up +7.6% over the past year to £224,851.Scotland also recorded strong growth, rising +4.0% annually to an average price of £222,448.Wales has seen property price growth continue to slow, now +0.7% on annual basis, taking the typical home value to £230,952.The North East of England saw prices rise +4.5% over the year to £183,445, while the North West recorded annual growth of +3.4%, with the average home now costing £248,945.By contrast, the southern markets continue to see prices fall. The South East led declines, with prices down -2.0% year‑on‑year to £383,044, while London saw average values fall by - 1.4% to £536,051.“After a strong start to the year, recent global developments have added a greater degree of uncertainty to the outlook. In particular, higher energy prices have fed into inflation expectations, prompting markets to reassess the path for interest rates – a shift that has already pushed up borrowing costs for many buyers.“This understandably leads to more caution among some households, with the cost-of-living once again front of mind and extra thought being given to planned property moves. Continue reading...
An independent inquiry into Bristol Brunel Academy has found no evidence of antisemitism or influence from lobby groups in the postponement of a visit by Labour MP Damien Egan last September. The review, conducted by retired headteacher Joan McVittie, concluded the decision was made solely on safeguarding grounds after the school learned a protest was being planned. Concerns included unknown protest size, which groups would be involved, and risk of local activists joining. A snap Ofsted inspection also found no evidence of partisan political views. The DfE stated antisemitic incidents in educational settings have more than doubled since October 2023.
