The wider geopolitical tensions are likely going to impact both inflation and interest rate reductions as the year goes on, but for now the housing market is enjoying a buoyant moment overall. In part, it’s the arrival of Spring, with typical movement being a seasonal feature. Additionally, it’s a robust housing market making steady growth.

Read on to learn more about the latest data from the February Halifax House Price Index, and specifically what it means for buyers and sellers, most notably in Kent.

The Headline Stats and Facts

• Average selling price: £301,151 a +0.3% change on last month.
• Property price increases: Annual rate of growth is +1.3% which is the strongest rise we’ve seen in 4 months.
• Interest rates: 3.75% since 18 December.
• Inflation: 3%, down from last month (3.4%).  
• RICS net balance score: RICS data has been quite subdued for some time, but that’s now showing some signs of improvement. New buyer enquiries rose from a net balance of -21% to -15%, and agreed sales improved from -18% to -9%. New instructions dipped slightly to -1% from +1%.

Kent-Specific Stats

• Average time on market: Properties in Kent vary on how long they are on the market based on location and property type. As a guideline, the average time on market in Maidstone is currently 140 days compared to 150 days this time last year.
• Number of properties for sale: There are 23,497 properties for sale in Kent, ticking upwards with the arrival of Spring.
• Average selling price in Kent: £428,827 remaining stable with recent months.

What Does This Mean?

Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, commented on the latest data, saying,

“These latest figures suggest the market has regained some momentum after a softer end to 2025. While industry data for January show a slight easing in new mortgage approvals, overall activity has continued to prove resilient.”

It’s resilience that the housing market is known for. And resilience is likely going to be needed in the months ahead. It’s probable that with the impact of the situation in the Middle East affecting inflation predictions, that interest rates won’t come down as steadily as previously predicted. This will translate into continued affordability issues in property for many. That’s exacerbated by constrained supply.

However, there is no doubt that buyer confidence is gradually finding some momentum in the right direction. Reports from the jobs market look a little more positive, with real wage growth also helping to create favourable conditions for many buyers.

While the market certainly seems cautiously buoyant at a national level, we do need to caveat this with the regional picture.

What About Kent?

Evidently, there is a North-South divide going on in the housing market with the North seeing notable house price growth. It’s a different picture in the South. Importantly, we need to look beyond the national data for the South because the situation in the North is skewing the picture to give a misleading one overall. Notably, house prices in the South-East are down -2.2% year‑on‑year to £383,834.

However, note the average Kent price of £428,827 which is still considerably higher than the whole region. Within Kent there is significant variation too. Furthermore, property is moving faster than this time a year ago.

What this shows is the importance of getting expert local advice whether you’re considering buying, selling or both.

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