Rightmove says UK asking prices rise 1.2% to £378,304 in May as north-south divide widens

Rightmove’s May index shows new seller asking prices up 1.2% to a record £378,304 — bigger than the typical May rise, but still 0.3% below last year. The regional split is widening: North East and North West up 2.6–2.7% annually; London down 2.4%, South East 1.6%. For southern sellers, realistic pricing matters — homes needing a reduction take 91 extra days to sell. For buyers, supply at an 11-year May high and the two-year fix easing to 5.18% nudges leverage their way.