ONS Private Rent and House Price Data - Comments from Atom Bank

21 October 2026

Chris Storey, Chief Commercial Officer, Atom bank:

“This house price rise is surprising, and it’s difficult to see where the impetus for sustained house price growth will be in the months ahead, given the pressures on household budgets and the impact higher interest rates are having on buyer confidence. That pressure is being exacerbated by rising inflation, which has grown faster than expected to 3.5%.

“For first-time buyers, house price growth of any kind may mean homeownership feels even further away. While the proposed Your First Home scheme is a welcome boost to aspiring homeowners, its ultimate success will depend on how effectively it supports those who could not buy otherwise, rather than those already on track to get onto the housing ladder. There are important lessons to be learned from the Help to Buy scheme.

“Housing should be an important part of next week’s Budget, beyond the Your First Home scheme. While targeted support for first-time buyers is welcome, we need more achievable measures to materially improve the rate of housing supply. Without a joined-up approach, there is a risk that homeownership remains little more than a dream for many.”