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UK monthly house prices fall for first time since start of Iran war, Nationwide says
Annual house price growth also slowed to 1.7% as higher energy prices, market rates and weaker confidence weighed on buyers, Nationwide said.
Nationwide Building Society reported UK house prices fell 0.6% in May, the first monthly decline since December 2025. Annual growth slowed to 1.7% from 3.0% in April, with the average house price at £278,024.
Developments in the Middle East have contributed to economic uncertainty, dampening market momentum. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, warned that economic growth is likely to be weaker this year as a result.
Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, described the current environment as a "buyers' market," noting the housing market slowed at a time when momentum typically builds.
Mortgage rates will continue to dictate market pace, according to Ian Futcher, a financial planner at Quilter. Martin Beck of WPI Strategy added that affordability remains stretched, leaving the market vulnerable.
Despite softening momentum, Jason Tebb, president of OnTheMarket, emphasized that the housing market continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by solid household finances and substantial savings buffers.