UK House Price Balance Shows Unexpected Improvement

According to data from TradingEconomics based on the RICS UK Residential Market Survey, the balance of house prices in the UK unexpectedly improved to -16% in November 2025, compared to -19% in October, defying expectations of a further decline to -21%. This suggests a potential stabilization of the downward trend that house prices had experienced in recent months. Regional disparities remain evident; the net balance in London fell to -44%, the weakest among all UK regions, largely impacted by the new tax imposed on high-value homes, which adds pressure to the capital's market. Conversely, participants in Northern Ireland and Scotland reported continued price increases. Short-term price expectations remained relatively stable at -15% compared to -12% previously. Over the next 12 months, there was a notable increase in expectations, with 24% of participants anticipating price rises in the coming year, the strongest level since June. This optimism is seen in most regions, except for East Anglia, where sentiment remains more subdued compared to others.