A quarterly-style housing market health check for normal consumers. Each panel compares the latest available 3-month or quarterly period with the previous period, so the signals stay current while avoiding monthly noise.
Last updated: 26 Jul 2026
A single 0–100 score combining all eight indicators. Higher scores mean more stress and risk.
The score rolls up eight indicators into a 0–100 index. Under 40 is low stress, 40–69 signals elevated risk, and 70+ points to high stress. Use it to compare momentum over time rather than a single-month snapshot.
Market signals summary
The wider housing market currently looks broadly supportive. The main area to watch is house prices (uk average), but this should be read alongside the wider mix of supportive, neutral and warning signals.
Each card compares the current quarter with the previous quarter. That keeps the dashboard consistent across rates, approvals, inflation, arrears, and other indicators.
Supportive means the indicator is helping the market backdrop. Neutral means conditions are broadly steady. Warning means pressure is building. Stress means pressure is more established and deserves closer attention.
Current 3-month period
Mar 2026 - May 2026
186,260 approvals
Previous 3-month period
Dec 2025 - Feb 2026
185,159 approvals
3-month change
↑ +0.6% vs Dec 2025 - Feb 2026
Signal
Buyer demand looks broadly steady.
What this means
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.
Current 3-month period
Jan 2026 - Mar 2026
£268,387
Previous 3-month period
Oct 2025 - Dec 2025
£270,468
3-month change
↓ -£2,080 vs Oct 2025 - Dec 2025 (0.8%)
Signal
Price growth is losing momentum.
What this means
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.
Current
18 Dec 2025
3.75%
Previous
7 Aug 2025
4.00%
Change
↓ -0.25 percentage points vs 7 Aug 2025
Signal
Borrowing costs are easing.
What this means
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.
Current 3-month period
May 2026 - Jul 2026
2.9%
Previous 3-month period
Jan 2026 - Apr 2026
3.4%
3-month change
↓ -0.5 pts vs Jan 2026 - Apr 2026
Signal
Inflation is easing.
What this means
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.
Current 3-month period
Feb 2026 - Apr 2026
4.13%
Previous 3-month period
Nov 2025 - Jan 2026
4.30%
Real wage growth: 0.73%
3-month change
↓ -0.17 pts vs Nov 2025 - Jan 2026
Signal
Pay growth is broadly steady.
What this means
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.
Current 3-month period
Feb 2026 - Apr 2026
5.0%
Previous 3-month period
Nov 2025 - Jan 2026
5.3%
3-month change
↓ -0.2 pts vs Nov 2025 - Jan 2026
Signal
The jobs market is improving.
What this means
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.
Current quarter
2026 Q1
1.090%
Previous quarter
2025 Q4
1.110%
Quarterly change
↓ -0.020 pts vs 2025 Q4
Signal
Repayment pressure looks broadly steady.
What this means
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.
Current quarter
2026 Q1
0.080%
Previous quarter
2025 Q4
0.080%
Quarterly change
• Unchanged vs 2025 Q4
Signal
Forced-sale pressure looks broadly contained.
What this means
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.