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UK Housing Market on Edge Ahead of Rate Decision

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. using-market-on-edge-ahead-of-rate-decision.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 18:55 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 27th, 2026 - The UK housing market remains on a knife edge as the Bank of England (BoE) prepares to announce its latest interest rate decision next week. While a period of relative stability has offered some respite after significant price falls, experts warn that this could be short-lived, particularly if the BoE maintains or increases current rates.

Tom Bill, Head of Research at Zoopla, has cautioned that further declines in house prices are entirely possible, citing ongoing affordability concerns as the primary driver. "Mortgage rates are still impacting buyer demand, and the outlook is very uncertain," Bill stated earlier today. His assessment comes amid growing concerns that the conditions that briefly stabilized the market are becoming increasingly precarious.

The current situation represents a significant shift from the frenzied activity seen during the peak of the market in 2022. Since then, house prices have experienced a cumulative decline of approximately 5%, a correction that many predicted after years of rapid growth fuelled by ultra-low interest rates and government incentives. However, recent months had suggested a potential bottoming out, leading some - including Zoopla - to tentatively suggest that a recovery, albeit a modest one, was still achievable.

This optimistic outlook now appears less probable. Data from Hamptons indicates a marked slowdown in transaction volumes year-on-year. "We're seeing fewer sales, which is adding to the downward pressure on prices," Bill explained. This decrease in activity is not simply a seasonal dip; it reflects a genuine cooling of demand as potential buyers remain hesitant in the face of elevated mortgage rates and wider economic uncertainty.

The primary culprit behind this hesitancy is the cost of borrowing. Following a series of increases in 2023 and 2024, mortgage rates remain substantially higher than the historic lows enjoyed in previous years. This has significantly impacted affordability, pricing many would-be buyers out of the market and reducing the purchasing power of those who remain. The ripple effect extends beyond first-time buyers, impacting homeowners looking to trade up or downsize.

The BoE's upcoming decision is therefore critical. A hold on rates could provide a much-needed boost to confidence, potentially allowing the market to consolidate and potentially experience modest growth. However, even a hold wouldn't instantly resolve the affordability issues. Any further increase, even a small one, would likely exacerbate the downward pressure on prices, potentially triggering a more significant correction.

Analysts are divided on the likely outcome. Some believe that the BoE will prioritise tackling persistent inflation, even if it means further squeezing household budgets. Others argue that the central bank will acknowledge the growing risks to the housing market and the wider economy and opt to hold rates steady, or even begin a cautious easing cycle. The latest inflation figures, released earlier this week, showed a slight increase, complicating the picture.

Beyond interest rates, other factors are also contributing to the uncertainty. The upcoming general election is adding another layer of complexity, with potential changes in government policy further clouding the outlook. Concerns about the health of the global economy, particularly in key trading partners, are also weighing on sentiment.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of the UK housing market is likely to remain volatile in the short to medium term. While a catastrophic crash appears unlikely, a sustained period of price stagnation, or even further declines, is a distinct possibility. The BoE's rate decision next week will be a pivotal moment, potentially setting the tone for the rest of the year. Homeowners and prospective buyers alike are anxiously awaiting the announcement, hoping for a signal that the worst of the turmoil is behind them. The 'sweet spot' Bill alluded to - a stable market with modest growth - is rapidly receding, and the risk of a renewed downturn is becoming increasingly real.