UK property snapshot – Why HK investors are capitalising on London’s buyer-friendly market

For Hong Kong buyers and investors, the UK housing market is transitioning into a buyer-friendly environment with more properties available and stronger leverage to bargain.

Data from Zoopla shows UK home price growth eased to 1.3% in July 2026, down from 1.7% a year earlier. At the same time, average UK home values gained £3,400 over the last year to reach £272,800. The latest Rightmove July figure for the London average asking price is £676,248, down 1.6% month-on-month and 1.2% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Rightmove data highlights that asking prices across newly listed UK properties average £372,359, reflecting the typical gap between initial listing prices and final agreed values.

Market snapshot: July 2026

Steady prices: Across the UK, property values grew by a modest 1.3% compared to last year, showcasing a cooling market.

London values: London property valuations are shifting by asset type. With average prices for flats and maisonettes dropping by £3,270, yield-focused investors are stepping into a major buying window.

Wider choices: With property supply at a 12-year high, buyers, especially overseas, now have significantly more houses to consider.

Fewer sales: The number of deals being agreed is currently tracking 9% lower than this time last year.

Mortgage rates: The average two-year fixed mortgage rate stood at 4.92%, remaining higher than at the start of the year.

Seasonal slowdown and political certainty clear the way for autumn

Recent figures from Rightmove show that the hot summer months briefly cooled off buyer interest, with activity decreasing by 8% in May, 6% in June, and 4% in July.

At the same time, domestic buyers briefly paused activity while waiting for broader economic and political direction. Now that the political picture is all clear and real estate choices stay high, overseas investors have an ideal window to move before the market naturally picks up in this autumn.

Why realistic pricing matters for buyers and sellers

As the property market picks up this autumn, getting your price right from day one is the key to an effortless sale.

• 74% of successful sales this year went at the original asking price without a single discount.
• Homes priced correctly right out of the gate sold in an average of just 36 days.
• On the other side, properties that needed price cuts sat on the market for an average of 127 days.

Looking to buy, sell, or check your property’s current value? Use our free online valuation tool to get an instant, data-backed estimate for your London residence.

Key borough spotlight: Haringey & Camden drive capital growth

While overall regional numbers show small dips, targeted London neighbourhoods are holding strong. Prime northern and inner areas still offer solid long-term value for overseas property investors.

Haringey led capital growth across London with a 2.3% monthly increase, closely followed by high-demand investor zones such as Camden and Islington.

Steady market: Bank of England keeps interest rate at 3.75%

During its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on July 30, the Bank of England decided to keep its main interest rate unchanged at 3.75%. This is the fifth time in a row the Central Bank has chosen to hold rates steady since last December.

​This choice follows news that UK inflation dropped to 2.6% in June, showing that the economy is settling down. For overseas investors, this predictable market offers a reassuring backdrop for holding long-term UK property

Dedicated support from our Hong Kong team

Benham and Reeves is dedicated to helping Asian investors make the most of the London real estate scene. All through July, our Hong Kong team hosted popular property showcases featuring two top waterfront developments in South East London: Kidbrooke Village and Royal Arsenal Riverside. We also offered personalised, one-on-one advice on renting out and managing UK homes.

​Not just this, we also have more great investor events lined up across Autumn. Keep an eye out for our new schedule, or feel free to reach out directly to our Hong Kong office or any of our London branches to talk about buying, selling, or managing your UK property investments.