Insight: The Housing Market – February 2026

Given the wider economy challenges, the housing market is getting off to a reasonably positive start in 2026.

Here we look at the latest housing market data, with a particular focus on the January Halifax House Price Index. We look within the data, both at a national level and locally here in Kent, so that you can understand what’s relevant for you.

The Headline Stats and Facts

• Average selling price: £300,777 a +0.7% change on last month and tipping over £300,000 for the first time.
• Property price increases: Annual rate of growth is +1.0%.
• Interest rates: 3.75% since 18 December.
• Inflation: 3.4% which is still above the Bank of England target of 2%.
• RICS net balance score: RICS data show a subdued market with new buyer enquiries at -24% (previously -32%), agreed sales at -19% (from -23%) and new instructions at net balance 0% (from -19%).

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 153 days compared to 150 days this time last year.
• Number of properties for sale: There are 23,099 properties for sale in Kent, increased marginally on last month.
• Average selling price in Kent: £428,827 which is steady with recent months.

What Does This Mean?

Fundamentally, we can call this a steady and stable start to 2026. December had witnessed a fall in average house prices, but we’re definitely back into positive territory. While RICS data shows that the market is still subdued, it’s moving in the right direction. It’s also somewhat significant that average house prices have nudged over £300,000 for the first time.

Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, points to how things could further improve as the year progresses, saying,

“Wage growth has been outpacing property price inflation since late 2022, steadily improving underlying affordability. That’s a positive trend for buyers, and the long-term health of the market.

And we’re now seeing more mortgage deals below 4%. If inflation continues to ease, there should be further gradual reductions as the year goes on.”

Overall, the Halifax is predicting that house prices will grow between 1% and 3% this year.

What About Kent?

Of course, an average house price of £300,000 was passed a long time ago in Kent. And in general, house price rises in the south of England are considerably more subdued compared to the north. Indeed, taken as a region as a whole, house prices in the south of England are falling.

However, while there is a general trend across the nation and within regions, the picture changes very much at a micro level. For example, in areas like Ightham and Penshurst, average prices are much higher than somewhere like Queenborough. Similarly, the pattern isn’t equal across property types. It’s why it’s important to get experts helping you with the picture in your particular circumstances.

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