The January 2026 Halifax House Price Index was released earlier today – how has 2026 begun?
The Halifax House Price Index (HPI) for January 2026 was published today – we’ve put together an overview of what it covers.
The latest data shows that UK house prices increased in January by +0.7%, following a -0.5% fall in December. The average house price now sits at £300,077 – rising above £300k for the first time. With annual growth at +1.0%, up from +0.4% in December.
Keeping consistent from 2025, the index shows Northern Ireland continuing to record the strongest property price growth of any nation or region in the UK, with average prices up +5.9% annually, and an average home now costing £217,206.
Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Halifax noted that “For first-time buyers the headline numbers can seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that most are looking at smaller properties in areas that reflect their budget. Many locations offer far more accessible price points, especially in northern regions where homes can often be found for under £200,000.
Affordability is still a challenge, but stronger wage growth and falling mortgage rates have helped relieve some of the pressure in recent years. We expect that improvement to continue in 2026, meaning that with the right support and advice, home ownership should become a realistic prospect for more would-be buyers.”
The next Halifax House Price Index is scheduled for release on Friday 6th March 2026.