Market health
A simple housing market health check. Each panel shows the latest published figure. Its status reflects whether conditions improved, stayed level, or worsened across recent releases.
Last updated: 6 Oct 2026
Eight housing and economic indicators combined into one current score.
Market signals summary
The wider housing market currently looks mixed but broadly balanced. The main area to watch is mortgage approvals.
Each card shows the latest published figure, not an average created by this dashboard. The status is based on consecutive published releases.
Positive means the latest movement improved. Neutral means it was unchanged. Warning means one or two consecutive worsening releases, and Stress means three or more.
Direction depends on the indicator. Lower inflation, Bank rate, unemployment, arrears and repossessions are positive. Higher approvals, house prices and wage growth are positive.
Latest published figure
56,053 approvals
Jul 2026
Compared with Jun 2026
↓ -3.7% vs Jun 2026
Buyer demand is weakening.
More approvals usually mean more buyers are active. That can support prices if the number of homes for sale stays tight.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
£272,611
Jul 2026
Compared with Jun 2026
↑ +£1,934 vs Jun 2026 (0.7%)
House prices increased in the latest release.
Stable or gently rising prices usually point to a healthier market backdrop. Falling prices can mean buyers are becoming more cautious or affordability is stretched.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
3.75%
Effective since 18 Dec 2025
Compared with Sep 2026
• Unchanged vs Sep 2026
Bank rate is unchanged from last month.
The Bank rate influences mortgage pricing. Higher rates usually make it harder for buyers and remortgaging households to keep monthly payments comfortable.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
3.3%
Sep 2026
Compared with Aug 2026
↑ +0.2 pts vs Aug 2026
Inflation is rising.
Lower inflation usually eases pressure on household budgets and can support the outlook for interest rates. Higher inflation can keep pressure on borrowing costs and living costs.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
3.90%
Jul 2026
Real wage growth: 1.10%
Compared with Jun 2026
↓ -0.30 pts vs Jun 2026
Wage growth is falling.
If wages are rising faster than inflation, buyers may find it easier to save or borrow. If not, affordability can stay tight even when rates stop rising.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
5.0%
Jul 2026
Compared with Jun 2026
• Unchanged vs Jun 2026
Unemployment was unchanged in the latest release.
Low unemployment usually supports confidence and mortgage repayments. Rising unemployment can reduce demand and increase financial strain for some households.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
0.900%
Q2 2026
Compared with Q1 2026
↓ -0.190 pts vs Q1 2026
Mortgage arrears fell in the latest release.
Arrears can be an early sign of financial stress. A rising trend can matter even before repossessions move higher.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.
Latest published figure
0.090%
Q2 2026
Compared with Q1 2026
↑ +0.010 pts vs Q1 2026
Repossessions are rising.
Repossessions are still a very small share of mortgages, but the direction matters. A rising trend can point to pressure building after arrears have already increased.
Recent trend
Recent trend shown for context only.