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A straightforward look at what is changing, where the opportunities are and what it could mean for your next move.
Confidence has softened, but the market has not stopped. The latest figures show a more cautious national housing market as higher borrowing costs and wider economic uncertainty affect what buyers feel comfortable paying. That is creating a more considered market: buyers are taking their time, comparing more properties and paying close attention to value.
Nationwide reported that UK house prices were unchanged in October, with annual growth slowing to just 0.5% — the weakest annual growth since January 2024. Its average price was £273,566. This points to a market that has cooled rather than one experiencing a sudden collapse.
There is some encouraging regional news. The latest official Land Registry figures available at the time of writing show the North West recorded annual house-price growth of 2.2% in August 2026, with the average price around £220,393. That is a useful reminder that national headlines do not tell the whole story: local markets and individual streets can behave very differently.
Different indices can tell different stories. Nationwide, Lloyds (formerly Halifax) and the Land Registry use different data and methods. Lloyds reported a 0.6% monthly fall and a 1.2% annual fall in October, while Nationwide reported flat monthly prices and 0.5% annual growth. These figures should be read as separate indicators, not combined into one house-price estimate.
The Bank of England raised Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4% on 5 November. It cited renewed inflationary pressure, including higher global energy prices. The Bank’s November report also said mortgage approvals for house purchases had fallen by 8% over the three months to September compared with the previous three months.
This helps explain why some buyers are being more cautious. Higher mortgage costs can reduce borrowing capacity, while uncertainty about household bills can make people pause before committing. It does not mean every buyer has disappeared — it means affordability, presentation and realistic pricing matter more than ever.
Buyers have more choice, so first impressions count. Rightmove’s September report said the number of homes available was at a 12-year high for that time of year. It also recorded 65 properties per agent on average and buyer enquiries 9% lower than a year earlier. That level of choice makes it especially important to stand out from competing homes.
Our advice is to get the asking price right from the outset, make sure the photography and description show the property at its best, and have a clear plan for following up every viewing. An ambitious asking price can sometimes cost valuable time if buyers simply move on to better-priced alternatives.
But there is still a reason to move. Not every seller is moving purely to achieve the highest possible price. People still need more space, less space, a different location or a home that better suits their family and work. If you are buying and selling in the same market, the price you achieve and the price you pay both matter — and a realistic plan can make the move work.
A slower market can give buyers more time to compare properties, arrange surveys and make properly considered decisions. Where a home has been on the market for a while, there may be room for a constructive conversation about price — provided any offer is supported by the property’s condition, comparable evidence and the seller’s circumstances.
First-time buyers may also find that slower price growth gives them a little more breathing space than a fast-rising market. The latest official figures show first-time-buyer prices in England were 0.6% higher year-on-year in August, while the North West remained one of the stronger-performing regions overall. Mortgage affordability still needs careful checking before making an offer.
We do not expect every property to sell quickly simply because it is advertised. The homes most likely to attract serious interest are those that are presented well, priced in line with current evidence and marketed with care. Equally, buyers who have their finances organised and know what they want can be in a strong position when the right property appears.
On 5 November 2026, the Bank of England increased Bank Rate from 3.75% to 4%. The decision was made as inflationary pressures strengthened, with the Bank highlighting higher global energy prices. UK CPI inflation was 3.5% in September, and the Bank expects it could rise further before easing.
The important point for mortgage holders is that a base-rate increase does not automatically mean every mortgage rate rises by the same amount. Tracker and variable-rate mortgages may respond according to their terms, while fixed mortgage rates are influenced by swap rates, funding costs, lender pricing and market expectations. Lenders can change fixed deals before or after a Bank of England announcement.
Coming to the end of a fixed rate?
Check what your lender is offering and compare it with other suitable options. The right choice depends on your balance, loan-to-value, income, credit profile, fees and plans. In some cases, a new deal can be arranged in advance, subject to the lender’s rules.
Thinking of buying?
Get a clear idea of your borrowing range and monthly payments before making an offer. A mortgage agreement in principle can help you understand your position, although it is not a formal mortgage offer and remains subject to checks.
Already on a variable or tracker rate?
Check how your payment is affected under the terms of your mortgage and whether another product may be suitable. Do not switch without considering early repayment charges, fees and the overall cost.
Protection worth reviewing
A house move or mortgage review is also a useful opportunity to check whether your life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection still reflects your circumstances. Cover should be based on your needs and affordability.
A higher Bank Rate does not mean every borrower is locked out of the market. Lenders continue to assess applications against their own criteria, and suitable options can vary significantly from one person to another. A whole-of-market review can help identify products worth considering rather than relying on a single headline rate or assuming your existing lender is automatically the best fit.
At A Move Brokers, we can help with residential purchases, first-time buyers, home movers, remortgages, buy-to-let and more complex income situations, as well as protection. We will look at the wider picture — not just the initial interest rate.
A mortgage review could help you understand your options before your current deal ends. Speak to A Move Brokers on 01244 478790
Estate agency | Sales
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01244 478790
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Mortgages | Protection
Residential mortgages • Remortgages
Home movers • First-time buyers
01244 478790
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Thank you for your continued support. Whether you have bought, sold, recommended us or simply got in touch for advice, we appreciate every client and every enquiry. If a move or mortgage review is on your mind, we would be pleased to have a conversation.
Sources and important information
Market information available as at 10 November 2026. Sources: Nationwide, October 2026 House Price Index (nationwidehousepriceindex.co.uk); Bank of England, Monetary Policy Report, November 2026 (bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-report/2026/november-2026); Lloyds, October 2026 House Price Index (lloydsbank.com); HM Land Registry / GOV.UK, UK House Price Index, August 2026 (gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-house-price-index-for-august-2026); Rightmove, September 2026 House Price Index (rightmove.co.uk/news/house-price-index/september-2026/). Figures refer to different periods and methodologies and may be revised. National and regional statistics may not reflect an individual property or local neighbourhood.
Mortgage products, rates and availability can change and depend on lender criteria and individual circumstances. This newsletter is general information only and is not personal mortgage, financial or tax advice. A mortgage is secured on your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Protection is subject to eligibility, underwriting, terms and exclusions.
