UK house prices rose 3.0% year-on-year in April, marking the fastest pace since May 2025, Nationwide data showed. The latest result topped market expectations and March’s 2.2% gain, with Chief Economist Robert Gardner noting the housing market has regained momentum despite Middle East tensions and higher energy costs. “This is somewhat surprising given that indicators of consumer confidence have weakened noticeably,” he said, adding that higher interest rates and a more uncertain backdrop remain headwinds. On a monthly basis, prices increased 0.4%, easing from a 0.9% gain in March.