Press & media coverage

"Saving for a deposit remains the single biggest barrier to ​homeownership, particularly in higher-value markets such as London where buyers must accumulate a substantial amount of capital before they ​can even begin their homebuying journey," said Marc Von Grundherr at estate agency Benham and Reeves.

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, says: “The housing market has become a marathon rather than a sprint, but buyers are still crossing the finish line. Whilst we’re not seeing the consistently strong monthly rates of growth seen in previous years, house prices continue to strengthen on an annual basis, and market activity remains remarkably resilient.”

From a $4 billion palace to a Highland castle with its own time zone, the British royal family owns one of the most extraordinary property collections on earth, and according to a 2024 study by London estate agency Benham and Reeves, its ten grandest residences alone are worth a combined £6.3 billion (around $8.1 billion). Behind those incredible valuations are secret time zones, royal murders, teenage queens, and one of the most famous fires in modern British history.

Marc von Grundherr from the estate agency Benham & Reeves said the realities were rarely reflected in asking prices: “Sellers are often delusional on price. The problem is when you try to tell them that their house might not be worth what they paid, they just really don’t want to hear. As an agent we want to achieve the highest price possible, but there is only so much we can do.”

Benham and Reeves says rents have increased an average 0.7% since the Act won Royal Asset last October – the same rate of growth seen during the equivalent period prior to October of last year. In fact, the majority of London boroughs have actually seen the pace of rental growth slow since the legislation became law.

The average UK house price now stands at £278,024 - and it marks the "first time in 2026" house prices have been down, the building society said in an announcement. Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, said: “A monthly dip in house prices shouldn't be mistaken for a market downturn.

Fears that London’s landlords would respond to the Renters’ Rights Act by sharply increasing rents appear to have missed the mark, according to research from estate agents Benham and Reeves.

Analysis by London lettings and estate agency Benham and Reeves examined average private rental values across all London boroughs. The research compared the five months before the legislation received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, covering May to October 2025, with the subsequent five-month period from October 2025 to March 2026.

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves: “A monthly dip in house prices shouldn’t be mistaken for a market downturn. Buyers remain active, transaction levels are holding firm and house prices remain higher than they were this time last year. Yes, the landscape may be more challenging, but despite wider economic angst, higher mortgage rates and stubborn inflation, homebuyers are continuing to make their move when the right opportunity presents itself.”

The average UK house price now stands at £278,024 - and it marks the "first time in 2026" house prices have been down, the building society said in an announcement. Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, said: “A monthly dip in house prices shouldn't be mistaken for a market downturn. Buyers remain active, transaction levels are holding firm and house prices remain higher than they were this time last year.