UK inflation eases to 2.6% in June, lowest since March 2025 and below the 2.7% expected

UK inflation eased to 2.6% in the year to June, the ONS said on 22 July — down from 2.8% in May, below the 2.7% expected, and the lowest reading since March 2025, led by falling motor fuel prices. Softer inflation strengthens the case for the Bank of England to keep cutting, which over time feeds into swap rates and fixed mortgage pricing. For buyers that slowly improves affordability; for sellers it underpins steadier demand rather than a surge. It is one month's data, and the Bank has signalled it is in no hurry to move.