Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHouse prices have dipped in May by 0.6 per cent (AFP/Getty)UK house prices recorded their first monthly dip of the year in May, falling by 0.6 per cent, Nationwide Building Society reported. This marks the first monthly decline since December, with annual house price growth slowing to 1.7 per cent in May from 3.0 per cent in April. The average UK house price in May stood at £278,024. Nationwide's chief economist, Robert Gardner, attributed the loss of momentum to uncertainty from developments in the Middle East, rising energy prices, and increased market interest rates. Experts indicate that mortgage rates will continue to dictate the market's pace, with affordability remaining stretched despite a current “buyers' market”. In fullUK house prices fall for first time in 2026 creating strongest buyers’ market for yearsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

House prices fell again in May as the mortgage rate hikes and surging energy bills caused by the Iran war continued to take their toll.

The decrease in average property values was the first month-on-month fall seen so far this year, Nationwide Building Society said.

Mortgage rates will dictate the pace of the market in the months ahead

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The price of properties in the United Kingdom experienced a slight drop in May for the first time this year, as rising interest rates....