UK home asking prices post bigger-than-usual slide, Rightmove says (updated)
15/12/2025 10:08
Adds Nationwide and Halifax forecasts in paragraph 5, quote in 6 Dec 15 (Reuters) - Asking prices for British homes have fallen by more than is usual for the time of year, property website Rightmove said, in what could be a reflection of the rise in uncertainty in the property market ahead of the government's budget last month. Rightmove's report published on Monday adds to signs of a subdued market around the time of the budget, which contained a new annual tax on homes worth more than 2 million pounds ($2.63 million) starting in April 2028. "With market conditions supporting higher levels of activity, and a hopefully more certain economic environment, we forecast a better year for price growth in 2026 with a strong rebound in activity to kick start the year," said Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove. Average asking prices for new homes fell by 1.8% month-on-month in the four weeks to December 6, according to Rightmove, whose survey is not seasonally adjusted The 10-year average drop for the period is 1.4% Asking prices are 0.6% lower than a year earlier Rightmove reports early signs of a post-budget sales rebound in the top-end London property market Asking prices expected to rise by around 2% in 2026, Rightmove says Also on Monday, mortgage lender Nationwide forecast that house prices would rise by between 2% to 4% in 2026 as borrowing costs and affordability constraints ease. Rival lender Halifax projected house prices to grow between 1% to 3% next year. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said a tax on expensive homes from 2028 announced by finance minister Rachel Reeves in last month's budget would not significantly impact the market. But an increase in taxes on income from property could dampen the supply of rented homes. (Reporting by Andy Bruce Editing by William Schomberg) ((andy.bruce@thomsonreuters.com; +442075134461; Reuters Messaging: @brucereuters))