The latest 0.25% interest rate cut may look modest on paper, saving the average variable mortgage holder around £31 a month, but its real influence runs deeper. Property markets are powered by confidence, and with mortgage rates easing and lenders competing again, sentiment is shifting. That change in mood is starting to matter.

A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

This map highlights how uneven UK house price growth has been over the last decade. While some regions have surged ahead, others have seen far more modest gains. It’s a clear reminder that national averages hide wide regional differences, and that property performance is always shaped by local markets rather than headlines.

UK home sales agreed in 2025 tell a story of steady progress rather than drama. Many regions are seeing uplift thanks to realistic pricing and strong demand, while others are adjusting to affordability and expectations. The market is functioning, confident, and increasingly shaped by local conditions.