Yorkshire house price increases overtake Scotland in May
Figure 1: Great Britain House Price Index May 2016 – May 2026.
Average house prices across Great Britain rose by 1.6% year‑on‑year to £327,400, according to the latest House Price Index from e.surv Chartered Surveyors, with growth continuing at a modest pace (Figure 1).
The latest data highlights a shift at the top of the market, with Yorkshire and the Humber now the strongest-performing region, overtaking Scotland with annual growth at 3.6%. The North West of England follows closely at 3.5%, with Scotland and Wales at 3.3% and 3.2% respectively, reinforcing the continued strength of more affordable markets.
This contrasts sharply with conditions in London, which remains the only region in decline, with prices down 4.0% year‑on‑year. Growth across southern England also remains subdued, with the South East up 0.3%, the East of England at 0.9% and the South West at 1.3%, highlighting the continued pressure on higher-value markets.
Rob Owens, head of research at e.surv, said: “The market continues to show resilience, but growth is being held back by affordability pressures. Higher mortgage costs and wider household expenses are limiting how far buyers can stretch, particularly in higher-value areas.
“While demand is still there, it is more measured, and this is keeping price growth in check. Until borrowing costs ease, we’re likely to see this pattern continue, with more affordable regions leading performance. Stronger house price growth is unlikely until households feel more confident about mortgage payments and wider bills.”