Nationwide: UK house price growth slows to 1.7% in May with first monthly fall of 2026
Nationwide's 1 June release shows UK annual house price growth slowed to 1.7% in May from 3.0% in April, with prices down 0.6% month on month — the first monthly fall of 2026 — taking the average to £278,024. Chief economist Robert Gardner blames Middle East uncertainty, higher energy costs and consumer confidence at its weakest since late 2023. For buyers, that means more room to negotiate; for sellers, March's pricing strategies now need a rethink. Swap rates still sit well below 2023 peaks, so this looks confidence-led rather than structural.
What this means for…
Buyers· 3/3
Sellers· 3/3
Wider market· 3/3
Each axis scored 1 (minor) to 3 (major). Total 9/9.
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