In February, UK house prices rose by 0.4% to £270,493, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth despite affordability challenges. Robert Gardner, Chief Economist at Nationwide, noted a 14% increase in housing transactions in the second half of 2024 compared to 2023, although overall transactions remain 6% below 2019 levels. He highlighted a gradual rise in buy-to-let purchases and warned of potential volatility in transactions due to upcoming stamp duty changes.