House Prices Hold Steady in February

UK House Prices Hold Steady in February After Record Start — Rightmove Index February 2026

According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index for February 2026, UK asking prices have essentially flattened after a strong start to the year, with the average price of newly-listed homes remaining almost unchanged from January. This signals a market that’s stabilising — no dramatic rises or falls — following a notable surge earlier in the year.

Average Asking Prices: Flat in February

The national average asking price in February was £368,019, virtually unchanged from January (a fall of just £12 month-on-month). While this might look like a plateau, it comes after an exceptionally strong January increase, making 2026 the strongest start to a year for asking prices since 2020.

Rightmove’s figures suggest that price rises earlier in the year were largely front-loaded into January, with buyers and sellers returning to the market following the usual winter slowdown and uncertainties from the previous Autumn Budget period.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

The flat reading in February doesn’t necessarily signal weakness — in fact, it can be interpreted positively:

✔ Stability after volatility
With prices holding steady rather than dropping, buyers may feel more confident that they’re entering a market without rapid inflation.

✔ Affordability remains more favourable
Because prices have stopped rising, prospective buyers might find their savings stretch slightly further. This is especially relevant for first-time buyers, who continue to face deposit and affordability challenges.

✔ Market conditions normalising
Estate agents report that with more homes available on the market and a broader choice for buyers, competition isn’t as intense as in previous years — again contributing to the flat price picture.

Is 2026 Still a Good Year for Property?

Yes — despite the lack of upward movement in February, the housing market has momentum behind it thanks to:

• Mortgage rates that are lower than a year ago, supporting buyer affordability.

• Buyer demand returning after cooler winter months.

• The context of early price gains making February’s flat performance feel more like a pause rather than a correction.

Many market watchers see this as a balanced market environment — with neither buyers nor sellers significantly disadvantaged in pricing negotiations.

Key Takeaways

• £368,019 — average asking price in February 2026.

• Essentially unchanged month-on-month — showing price plateau.

• Strongest start to a year on record since 2020 — thanks to January’s price surge.

• Healthy supply and improved affordability — factors supporting both buyers and sellers.

What to Expect Next

Looking ahead, many property professionals believe that market stability will continue into spring and beyond — especially as mortgage rates remain relatively attractive and the supply of homes for sale stays high.

Whether you’re planning to sell, thinking of buying, or simply keeping an eye on property trends, the February data suggests a housing market that’s steady and balanced — not overheated, but far from flatlining.