RICS: Estate agents say house prices are up for first time in two years

Estate agents say UK house prices are rising, as buyers and sellers gradually return to the market. But the picture is less positive for renters as buy-to-let landlords sell up

Colourful terraced houses in Chelsea, London
(Image credit: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)

The first signs of life could be returning to the UK housing market, despite ongoing affordability pressures. Estate agents say house prices are rising for the first time in two years as buyers and sellers gradually return to the market. 

In September’s survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a net balance of +11% of respondents said house prices were rising. This is the first time the figure has been positive since October 2022, up from 0% in August. 

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Katie Williams
Staff Writer

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance, politics, and investing. She enjoys translating complex topics into easy-to-understand stories to help people make the most of their money.

Katie believes investing shouldn’t be complicated, and that demystifying it can help normal people improve their lives.

Before joining the MoneyWeek team, Katie worked as an investment writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm. She joined the company as a graduate in 2019. While there, she wrote about the global economy, bond markets, alternative investments and UK equities.

Katie loves writing and studied English at the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the theatre, reading novels, travelling and trying new restaurants with friends.