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  "path": "/lifestyle/house-prices-borrowing-costs-market",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-30T14:06:06.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Hundreds of thousands of landlords risk £19,000 bill under Labour crackdown",
    "HMRC steps up property valuation scrutiny as MILLIONS face financial consequences",
    "Central London house prices drop £37,000 in a year as northern market rises",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nTraditionally, spring is when the housing market tries to show its best side after a long winter. Longer days and brighter weather bring better listing photos, more viewings, and a familiar seasonal lift.\n\nThrow in a couple of Bank Holidays and, in most years, momentum builds quickly. But this May feels different.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe mood across the market is noticeably more cautious. With the next decision from the Bank of England looming, buyers and sellers alike are adjusting to a new reality: interest rates are unlikely to fall any time soon.\n\nMy view is that rates will not rise again unless something forces the Bank’s hand, a fresh inflation spike, an energy price shock, or another unexpected global event.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWithout that, holding steady is the most likely path. Policymakers understand this inflationary period hasn’t been driven by reckless consumer spending. But ‘steady’ does not mean ‘easy’.\n\nHigher borrowing costs for longer continue to squeeze affordability. That, in turn, weighs on confidence and keeps demand in check. So, what does that mean for house prices in May?\n\nRather than a sharp correction, expect a gentle drift down. Sellers will still come to market with optimistic expectations, but buyers are increasingly unwilling, or unable, to meet them.\n\nMy prediction is a modest 0.5 per cent dip over the month. In practical terms, that’s around £1,500 off the price of an average home compared to April.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPlease write at least 4 paragraphs\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Hundreds of thousands of landlords risk £19,000 bill under Labour crackdown\n  * HMRC steps up property valuation scrutiny as MILLIONS face financial consequences\n  * Central London house prices drop £37,000 in a year as northern market rises\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe usual late spring uplift in activity will still appear, more listings, more viewings, more movement, but it is likely to be largely offset by wider economic uncertainty.\n\nThe result is a market that feels uneven.\n\nWell-priced homes, particularly in desirable locations, will continue to attract strong interest. But properties priced as though it’s still 2022 will struggle to gain traction.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing correctly from day one has never mattered more.\n\nFor buyers, May could offer a rare window: more choice, less urgency, and greater scope to negotiate. For sellers, realism will be key.\n\nIn short, this is a market that wants to move, but is being held back by the cost of money and the lingering fear of what might come next.\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Why this spring’s housing bounce comes with a reality check, according to a property expert"
}