UK House Price Balance Falls to Near 2-Year Low

The UK Residential Market Survey from RICS showed the house price balance dropped to -19% in August 2025, the weakest reading in almost two years after -13% in July and -7% in June. Prices are coming under pressure amid subdued new buyer demand. Regionally, the decline was most pronounced in East Anglia and the South West, with net balances of -64% and -46% respectively, both weaker than last month and well below the national average. By contrast, survey participants in Northern Ireland continued to report solid price growth. Looking ahead, respondents expect prices to edge lower over the next three months, reflected in a net balance of -20% for August. Over a 12-month horizon, contributors still foresee modest gains, though the latest +9% reading marks the weakest expectation since December 2023.