House price dip ahead of 'Boxing Day bounce'

HOUSE hunters could snap up a property for around £2,000 less typically than a year ago, and around £6,700 less than the average just a month ago, according to Rightmove.

- VICKY SHAW

Across Britain, 2025 is ending with average asking prices at 0.6% (£2,059) less than late 2024. At £358,138, the average asking price in December is also 1.8% or £6,695 lower than in November.

Annual growth in asking prices has been strongest in the North West of England (2.6%), flat in London (0.0%) and most negative in the South West and South East (both at minus 2.7%), according to figures from the website.

Rightmove said prices usually fall in December, but this year’s decrease is bigger than usual.

However, a bigger than usual “Boxing Day bounce” is also expected by the website, as people who have put their home moving plans on hold due to Budget uncertainty could join the post-Christmas boost in activity. Falling mortgage rates and lower house prices are expected to encourage buyers.