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House Prices Forecast: What to Expect by 2036

House prices in the UK are projected to rise significantly by 2036, impacting first-time buyers significantly.

By David Sampson
21 June 2026
3 min read
UK first time buyer mortgage article image for House Prices Forecast What to Expect by 2036

TL;DR

  • House prices are expected to increase significantly by 2036.
  • first-time buyers may need a large deposit, making homeownership increasingly challenging.

Written by David Sampson for Mortgage118. Last updated 21 June 2026. Reviewed against our editorial standards. Editorial standards. Mortgage118 is a directory — not FCA-authorised and not a mortgage adviser.

Recent projections indicate that house prices in the UK could rise significantly over the next decade, impacting potential buyers and the housing market as a whole. With forecasts suggesting a substantial increase in property prices, first-time buyers may face considerable financial hurdles when attempting to enter the market.

How Much Will House Prices Increase?

According to analysis from property selling firm Sell House Fast, semi-detached homes are projected to see the most significant price hike, with substantial increases expected. First-time buyers looking to purchase such properties will need to save a considerable deposit, which could take several years based on expected earnings.

What About Other Property Types?

Terraced homes are also expected to experience a substantial price increase, bringing the average price to a higher level. For these properties, first-time buyers would need a significant deposit, requiring several years of saving. Detached properties are forecasted to reach an even higher average price, reflecting a notable increase. Buyers would need a larger deposit, which is notably higher than the projected average annual salary, equating to many years of earnings to save for a deposit.

What This Means for First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers are likely to face increasingly daunting challenges in the coming years. With the average deposit expected to rise significantly, the financial burden of entering the housing market will intensify. Flats and maisonettes, while seeing a lower price rise, will still require a deposit that translates to several years of savings. This scenario raises concerns about affordability and accessibility for those looking to purchase their first home.

What Are the Long-Term Projections?

Looking further ahead, the average UK home price could reach a much higher level by 2036 and potentially soar even more by 2045. Detached houses may average around a million by that time. These projections highlight the ongoing trend of rising property values, which could further complicate the home-buying process for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will house prices continue to rise after 2036?

Yes, forecasts suggest that house prices will continue to rise, with estimates indicating a much higher average price by 2045.

How can first-time buyers prepare for these changes?

First-time buyers should start saving early for a deposit and consider their options for residential mortgages to better prepare for the financial demands of purchasing a home.

About David Sampson

David Sampson writes about the UK mortgage market for Mortgage118, covering specialist lending, market trends, and practical advice for borrowers. All content is reviewed for accuracy against FCA guidelines and current market data.