UK House Price Balance Drops to 29-Month Low

The RICS UK Residential Market Survey reported that the house price balance fell to -34% in April 2026, down from a revised -25% in March. This was the weakest reading since November 2023 and came in below market expectations of -25%, indicating renewed, albeit still relatively moderate, downward pressure on prices. Regionally, London, the South East, East Anglia, and the South West all recorded negative net balance readings. By contrast, the North West and the North of England continued to show slightly positive readings. Looking ahead, the near-term house price expectations index stood at a net balance of -38% in April at the UK-wide level, an improvement from -45% in March. This suggests that while prices are still expected to come under pressure, that downward pressure is likely to ease over the next three months.