UK annual house price growth accelerates to 3.8% in April, ONS data shows

UK house prices recorded their strongest annual growth in more than a year in April 2026, while property transaction levels remained significantly above year-earlier levels, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics.

The ONS reported that UK house prices increased by 3.8% in the year to April 2026, compared with a revised estimate of 0% annual growth in March 2026.

The latest reading marked the largest annual increase in house prices since March 2025, before Stamp Duty Land Tax changes came into effect in April 2025, the statistics agency said.

Average UK house prices rose by 0.7% between March and April 2026.

This compares with a 2.9% decline recorded during the same period a year earlier.

Average UK property value reaches £270,000

According to the ONS, the annual increase of 3.8% brought the average UK property value to £270,000 in April 2026.

The agency noted that, on average, house prices increased by 0.7% since March 2026.

However, it cautioned against placing excessive emphasis on a single month's data.

The UK House Price Index is based on completed housing transactions, and a house purchase typically takes between six and eight weeks to reach completion.

"As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data," the ONS said.

Property transactions remain elevated

Separate figures from the UK Property Transactions Statistics showed continued strength in housing market activity despite a monthly decline.

In April 2026, the estimated number of residential property transactions valued at £40,000 or more stood at 101,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

This represented a 53.2% increase compared with April 2025.

However, transaction volumes eased slightly every month.

Between March and April 2026, UK residential property transactions declined by 2.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Regional performance varies across England

The data highlighted notable regional differences in house price movements across England.

House prices in England increased by 0.6% on average between March and April 2026.

Annual growth of 3.9% pushed the average property value in England to £291,000.

London recorded the largest monthly increase among English regions, with house prices rising 1.9% in the year to April 2026.

The capital also posted the strongest monthly movement, according to the regional data.

By contrast, the South East experienced the largest monthly decline, with prices falling 0.3%.

The North East delivered the strongest annual performance, registering a 9.9% increase in house prices over the year to April 2026.

London recorded the weakest annual growth rate, with prices declining 2.1% compared with a year earlier.

Rental growth continues to slow

The ONS also reported a moderation in rental inflation.

Average UK monthly private rents increased by 3.3% in the year to May 2026, down from 3.5% in the 12 months to April.

According to the statistics agency, this represented the smallest annual increase in private rents since March 2022.