Rightmove House Price Index January 2026: What The Numbers Really Mean
ightmove’s latest House Price Index shows a remarkable start to 2026 with asking prices rising faster than they have for years. In this article we break down what the data means for buyers and sellers right now — and what you need to know before making your move.
The latest Rightmove House Price Index (HPI) data reveals one of the most interesting starts to a year the UK housing market has seen in a long time.
According to Rightmove, the average asking price for homes coming to market in January 2026 was £368,031, which represents a £9,893 rise from December 2025 — an increase of 2.8% month on month and the largest January increase in Rightmove’s 25-year history.
Behind the January surge
Rightmove’s data shows that several key trends came together in January 2026:
1) Asking prices bounced sharply
• January 2026 average asking price: £368,031
• December 2025 average asking price: £358,138
• Month-on-month rise: +2.8% (£9,893)
This is notable because January is usually quieter after Christmas — the typical seasonal dip — yet 2026 saw a strong price rebound. That tells us buyers are returning with confidence early in the year.
2) Buyer interest rebounded quickly
Rightmove also reports that buyer enquiries increased by about 57% in the two weeks after Christmas vs the two weeks before Christmas.
That kind of bounce shows early buyer motivation rather than seasonal browsing.
3) Listings are abundant
Despite rising prices, the number of homes for sale is at one of the highest January levels since 2014 — meaning buyers have choice, but strong stock is still moving quickly.
All of this combined explains why the price dynamics look unusual for this early in the year.
What the data doesn’t show directly
Raw asking prices tell part of the story — but interpreting them properly requires context.
• Asking prices are not transaction prices — they show what sellers are hoping to achieve, not necessarily what deals are completed for.
• In markets with rising stock levels, prices can still rise even when actual sale volumes are moderate.
• Buyers today may be more selective, fighting for well-positioned homes while other listings sit longer.
This means that while headline rises are encouraging, they also require sensible pricing strategy to turn interest into offers.
Regional variations in asking prices
Rightmove’s HPI also highlights that asking price movements were not uniform across the UK. Some regions lagged or saw slight dips, while others held up well.
For example:
• Some regions saw prices dip slightly month-on-month even as the national average rose.
This regional nuance is crucial for pricing your home correctly — being ahead of national averages but aligned with local dynamics is key to attracting serious buyers.
Average prices vs recent history
Although January saw the biggest monthly bounce in asking prices, the national average asking price is now only 0.5% higher than this time last year — showing that annual growth remains moderate and the market has not overheated.
This suggests a market that is steady and grounded rather than speculative.
What this means for buyers and sellers
Rightmove’s House Price Index is not a prediction tool — it is a snapshot of how sellers are positioning themselves and how demand is emerging at the start of the year.
For buyers
• Early-year pricing momentum shows there are willing sellers
• Demand is rising but choice is still good
• Buyers who act early can secure favourable terms
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For sellers
• Rising asking prices show confidence but require realistic pricing to convert
• Higher inventory means competition is real
• Correct positioning early can unlock stronger interest
How this compares to broader house price measures
It’s worth noting that different house price indices offer varied perspectives. Rightmove’s HPI captures asking prices for homes coming to market, while other official measures like the UK House Price Index (UK HPI) capture actual transaction prices and may report different trends.
Both types of data are useful — the former for current seller intention, the latter for completed market activity. Combining both gives the richest picture.
Bottom line for 2026
Rightmove’s January 2026 HPI shows a market that has started the year with:
• Strong asking price momentum
• Renewed buyer enquiry
• High stock levels
• Regional variation that rewards local insight
This is not just interesting data. It is actionable insight — and in a market like this knowing where you stand matters.
👉 If you are planning your next move, whether buying or selling, these tools are designed to help you take the next step with confidence