UK Property Prices: Latest Trends in House Prices, Rental Growth, and Market Outlook

Keira Fry
Nov 20
2 min read

UK housing market, northern property prices

The UK housing market continues to evolve, and recent data highlights a clear trend: while overall growth is slowing, the North of England property market remains a stronghold for investors—especially those focused on supported living investment opportunities.

UK Housing Market Overview

In September, the average UK house price reached £272,000, with annual growth easing to 2.6% from 3.1% in August. This slowdown reflects broader economic adjustments, but the picture isn’t uniform across regions.

England: £293,000 (↑ 2.0%)
Wales: £209,000 (↑ 2.7%)
Scotland: £194,000 (↑ 5.3%)
Northern Ireland: £193,000 (↑ 7.1%) – the highest surge.

Within England, London saw a 1.8% annual fall, while Yorkshire and the Humber led with 4.5% growth—a clear sign that Northern property investment is outperforming the capital.

Why the North Stands Out

For investors, this is significant. Northern regions offer:

Affordable property investment compared to London and the South East.
Strong growth potential: A 4.5% annual increase in house prices signals resilience and demand.
High demand for supported living accommodation, driven by local authorities’ commitment to social care.

Rental Market Strength

Private rents across the UK rose 5.0% in October, with the average monthly rent now at £1,360. This upward trend reflects strong demand for housing, including supported living properties, which provide stable, long-term tenancies backed by local authority funding.

For investors, this means:

Reliable income streams
Lower void risk
Ethical property investment with social impact

Economic Outlook: A Positive Signal

Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 3.6%, and analysts suggest the Bank of England may cut its base rate soon. Lower borrowing costs could make property investment in the North of England even more attractive, particularly for those expanding supported living portfolios.

Investor Takeaway

The North is proving to be a hotspot for UK property investment. With strong price growth, rising rental demand, and the potential for cheaper finance, supported living investments offer a unique combination of profitability and purpose.