UK house price growth slows to 0.9% in August, ONS reports

ONS data show annual house price growth fell to 0.9% in August, with regional variation and rent and CPI inflation rising in September.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:38:10 GMT

Office for National Statistics figures released on Wednesday show that the average annual rate of UK house price growth slowed to 0.9% in August, down from 1.2% in July, according to both the Standard and the Independent.

What happened

The ONS reported that the slowdown was evident in six of nine English regions. Across the United Kingdom, the average house price in August was £273,000. In England, average prices rose to £294,000, a 0.4% annual increase; in Wales to £216,000 (3.1% growth); and in Scotland to £198,000 (2.9% growth). Northern Ireland’s average price, reported for the second quarter, was £202,000, up 9.2% year‑on‑year.

London saw a 2.2% annual decline in average property values, driven by a 5.0% drop in flat prices over the previous 12 months. Flats make up about half of all London sales, compared with roughly one‑fifth nationwide. The North East recorded the highest regional annual house price inflation at 3.2%.

The ONS also released data on private rents and consumer prices for September. Average monthly private rent in the UK was £1,406, 3.8% higher than a year earlier. Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 3.5% in September, up from 3.1% in August.

What the reports add

Both outlets convey the same figures; neither provides additional regional breakdowns beyond those noted above. The Standard includes a brief comment from David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, about the CPI rise, while the Independent’s article ends with a promotional disclaimer unrelated to the data.

What was said

David Hollingworth told the Standard that the increase in CPI “is likely to cement expectation of a base rat…”. The quote is truncated in the source and attributed to Hollingworth, an associate director at L&C Mortgages.

How it came about

The August slowdown follows a period of modest growth earlier in the year. Lloyds’ September index showed zero month‑on‑month and annual change, indicating that the market may be entering a broader stagnation phase as mortgage rates hover around 6%.

Key facts

Average annual house price growth fell to 0.9% in August 2026. (standard.co.uk)
UK average house price in August was £273,000. (standard.co.uk)
London average property values declined 2.2% annually in August. (standard.co.uk)
Flat prices in London fell 5.0% over the 12 months to August. (standard.co.uk)
Average monthly private rent rose to £1,406 in September. (standard.co.uk)
CPI inflation increased to 3.5% in September. (standard.co.uk)