Rates and the Economy news in 2026
25 stories, newest first.
- September 2026
UK mortgage sales rose to 717,519 in 2025, the highest annual total since 2021
Office for National Statistics figures show 717,519 UK mortgage sales in 2025, the highest annual total since 2021 but still around 34.5% below 2006 levels.
UK CPI inflation rises to 3.1% in the 12 months to August
UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% in the 12 months to August 2026, up from 2.9% in July, as motor fuel and air fares pushed the headline rate higher.
CPIH and CPI annual inflation rose for a second consecutive month in August 2026
UK consumer price inflation rose for a second month in August 2026, with CPIH at 3.3% and CPI at 3.1% as motor fuel prices pushed the transport division higher.
Inflation rises to 3.1 per cent in August
UK inflation climbed to 3.1 per cent in August after a 12p-a-litre jump at the pumps, with the Bank of England forecasting 4 per cent inflation this winter.
- August 2026
ONS published Household Costs Indices for UK household groups, April to June 2026
The Office for National Statistics said the Household Costs Index rose 2.8% in the year to June 2026, down from 3.6% in March, with low-income households recording a lower rate than high-income households.
Ofgem price cap rise pushes energy prices to a three year high
Citizens Advice says the latest Ofgem price cap rise takes energy prices to a three year high, and calls for a reformed energy support scheme for those most in need.
ONS releases Consumer price inflation, UK: July 2026 bulletin
UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% on the CPIH measure and 2.9% on CPI in the 12 months to July 2026, the first increase since March, driven by higher gas and electricity prices.
Nationwide cuts fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.15 percentage points
Nationwide is cutting rates across its fixed mortgage range by up to 0.15 percentage points from 18 August 2026, taking its lowest fixed rate to 4.48% for home movers.
ONS publishes detailed CPI and CPIH figures for August 2026
The Office for National Statistics said CPI inflation rose to 3.1 per cent in the 12 months to August 2026, with transport and motor fuels the largest upward contributor to the increase.
UK private rent inflation accelerated to 3.8% in August 2026
Average UK private rent reached £1,400 in August 2026, up 3.8% on a year earlier, the fastest annual growth since December, while house price inflation slowed to 1.4%.
- July 2026
UK CPIH inflation falls to 2.8% and CPI to 2.6% in June 2026
UK consumer price inflation slowed in June 2026, with CPIH at 2.8% and CPI at 2.6%, as transport and food prices eased, according to the Office for National Statistics.
UK HPI for May 2026 published showing 2.7% annual house price growth
The May 2026 UK House Price Index puts the average UK property at £271,000, up 2.7% on the year, with London the only English region to record an annual fall.
Ofgem energy price cap changed in July 2026, raising gas and electricity prices
Ofgem's July 2026 energy price cap change raised gas and electricity prices, lifting the average direct debit dual fuel bill to an estimated £1,862 a year, £221 more than before.
Ofgem reduces TDCV levels again in July 2026
Ofgem cut the assumed typical household consumption used in its price cap publications from July 2026, lowering gas by 17% to 9,500 kWh and electricity by 7% to 2,500 kWh.
- June 2026
Net mortgage borrowing rose to £7.7 billion in June 2026
Net mortgage borrowing by individuals rose to £7.7 billion in June 2026 from £3.3 billion in May, the Bank of England has reported, while mortgage approvals for house purchases increased but stayed below their recent average.
- May 2026
Household Costs Indices bulletin for January to March 2026 published
The Office for National Statistics said overall UK household costs rose 3.6 per cent in the year to March 2026, unchanged from December 2025, with renters facing the highest rate of any tenure type.
OPFS responds to new energy price cap announcement
One Parent Families Scotland has responded to the new energy price cap announced by Ofgem on 27 May 2026, setting out the money and debt support it offers to single parent families.
Mortgage borrowing and approvals fell in May 2026
Bank of England data show net mortgage borrowing fell to £2.9 billion in May 2026 and house purchase approvals dropped to 56,200, the lowest since December 2023.
- April 2026
UK House Price Index for February 2026 published
HM Land Registry has published the February 2026 UK House Price Index, showing a 1.2% annual rise in UK house prices and an average property value of £268,000.
Domestic energy prices fell following a reduction in the Ofgem energy price cap
Ofgem's energy price cap reduction cut typical annual energy bills by £117 from 1 April 2026, and official data show gas and electricity inflation falling from April onwards.
Higher energy prices from Middle East conflict set to leave typical working-age household £480 worse off in 2026-27
The Resolution Foundation estimates higher energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict will leave the typical working-age household £480 worse off in 2026-27 than it would have been otherwise.
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates increase
The National Living Wage rose to £12.71 an hour on 1 April 2026, with the National Minimum Wage rates for younger workers and apprentices also increasing.
Net mortgage borrowing fell in April while approvals for house purchases rose
Bank of England data show net mortgage borrowing fell to £4.4 billion in April from £6.8 billion in March, while approvals for house purchases rose to 65,900.
- March 2026
ONS releases March 2026 private rent and house prices statistics
The Office for National Statistics reports UK private rent inflation of 3.5% in the 12 months to February 2026 and house price inflation of 1.3% in the 12 months to January 2026.
- January 2026
Net mortgage borrowing fell to £4.1 billion in January 2026
Bank of England figures show net mortgage borrowing by individuals fell to £4.1 billion in January 2026, down from £4.5 billion in December and below the previous six-month average.