Docklands News

UK house prices rose by 2.4% annually in December 2025, with a monthly decline of 0.7%, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics. England experienced the slowest growth at 1.7%, while Wales and Scotland saw increases of 5% and 4.9%, respectively. The London market struggled, with prices dropping 1% due to affordability issues and increased supply. The typical property value in December 2025 was £270,000, while the average London house price remains the highest at £551,000. UK rental prices also rose, averaging £1,367 per month, but annual growth slowed, particularly in London. Despite recent sluggishness, the property market shows signs of recovery entering 2026, though affordability remains a concern for many buyers. 

City AM (18/02/2026)   Daily Mail (18/02/2026)   The Standard (18/02/2026)   The Times (18/02/2026)  

Housebuilding in England has reached a 12-year low, with only 30,880 homes completed in the third quarter 2025, a decrease from 34,000 in the same period the previous year. In the 15 months since Labour took office in July 2024, only 175,290 homes were completed. Housing Secretary Steve Reed has insisted the government will reach its 1.5m new homes target, citing new planning reforms aimed at boosting construction. But Steve Turner, of Home Builders Federation, said: "Homebuilding faces significant constraints limiting its ability to deliver. Government must address the lack of affordable mortgage lending preventing many, particularly young people, getting onto the housing ladder." 

The Daily Telegraph (18/02/2026)  

Long property chains are significantly increasing costs for home buyers, with Barclays reporting an average added expense of £2,000 due to delays and breakdowns. Approximately 32% of recent buyers and sellers were involved in such chains, with nearly half experiencing issues. Those affected incurred additional costs averaging £2,127, stemming from wasted surveys and solicitor fees. Current mortgage data indicates a UK deposit average of £59,057, higher for first-time buyers. Experts highlight that increasing transaction times are frustrating buyers, leading many to withdraw from sales due to delays and rising costs. Jatin Patel, head of mortgages at Barclays, said: "Movers often face battles on two fronts as the abundance of long property chains adds acute stress into the process."

The Independent (17/02/2026)   The Standard (17/02/2026)  

New data reveals that first-time buyers have access to the most low-deposit mortgages in 18 years, with 537 deals allowing borrowing of 95% of a property's value. This is nearly double the 274 products available in February 2024. Rachel Springall from Moneyfacts noted that this is the highest number of 95% loan-to-value deals since March 2008. Santander recently launched a five-year fixed-rate mortgage allowing up to 98% borrowing, while Skipton and Yorkshire building societies offer even higher options. The Building Societies Association suggests many buyers may be closer to home ownership than they realise. 

The Guardian (14/02/2026)  

UK households have 40% of their total wealth tied up in property, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This contrasts with the US, where property accounts for about 20% of household wealth. Marianna Hunt from Fidelity International noted that UK house prices have fallen in real terms over the past few years. The illiquid nature of property limits spending, while Americans benefit from stock market investments. The Smarter with Money campaign advocates for changes to pension contributions to enhance retirement savings and improve financial confidence in the UK. 

The Times (14/02/2026)  

Investec’s 2026 Property Index reveals a growing fragmentation in London’s £1m-plus prime residential market, with buyer power rising and postcode-level dynamics driving sharp variations in price, discounts, and sales speed. Canary Wharf (E14) has emerged as a significant high-value location, with average prices reaching £1.33m and a per-square-foot cost climbing to £1,156. This marks its rise into London’s “premier league” of prime areas. Meanwhile, traditional upscale districts like Bayswater (W2), St John’s Wood (NW8), and Knightsbridge (SW7) saw discounts widen, some exceeding 14%, amid slower sales and increased listings. The number of £1m-plus homes listed in London rose 12% in 2025 to nearly 7,000, giving buyers more leverage and time to negotiate.

The Intermediary (30/01/2026)