UK house prices rise 3.8% in year to April, ONS reports

British house prices saw a notable increase of 3.8% in the year leading up to April 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the most significant annual rise since March 2025, a period preceding changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax that took effect in April 2025.

In contrast, the pace of rental inflation has slowed. Average UK monthly private rents increased by 3.3% in the 12 months to May 2026, a slight decrease from the 3.5% recorded for the 12 months to April 2026. This 3.3% figure represents the smallest annual increase in rents since March 2022.

The average UK house price stood at £270,000 in April 2026, an increase of £9,000 compared to the previous year. The ONS noted that the rise in annual house price inflation between March and April 2026 is attributed to a base effect, as prices rose moderately in that period this year, contrasting with a sharp decrease a year ago following Stamp Duty Land Tax adjustments.