Why the World Cup is being blamed for UK house prices dropping by an average of £3,832

According to property website Rightmove, the average price of a house entering the market in July has fallen by a significant £3,832 month-on-month.

This 1.0 percent decline significantly outpaced the typical July decline of 0.2 percent observed over the past decade.

The average asking price across Britain currently stands at £372,359.

Rightmove attributes this slowdown to a combination of factors such as the World Cup and unusually hot weather, which have distracted potential buyers alongside traditional summer holiday distractions.

Sellers are reportedly facing increased competition to attract distracted summer buyers in a market characterized by high supply.

Although the number of homes available for sale has decreased marginally by 1 percent compared to last year, it remains very close to the highest level in the last 12 years for this period, which further intensifies the competitive environment for those who want to sell.

Rightmove said the hot weather in May coincided with a temporary drop in buyer demand before a recovery, while similar drops in demand coincided with the hot weather in June and July.

Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock said: “This month’s larger-than-usual price fall reflects the reality of a market where buyers have too much choice and sellers are having to stand out and work harder to attract them.

“They are also competing with an unusual number of distractions, such as the World Cup and hot weather, that are weighing on the minds of some potential buyers.

“While these disruptions may be short-term, they add to the already distracting summer holiday season and create a challenging sales environment.”

Rightmove said the first six months of 2026 presented challenges for house movers, with mortgage rates rising amid conflict in the Middle East.

Highlighting the importance of sellers getting their prices right from the start, Rightmove said almost three quarters (74%) of homes sold and completed this year did so without asking for a price reduction.

The website noted that homes requiring a price reduction spent an average of 127 days on the market, while homes sold without a discount spent only 36 days.

Ms Babcock added: “Pricing remains critical and it is remarkable that almost three-quarters of homes sold so far this year have done so without claiming a price reduction.”

Matt Smith, Rightmove mortgage expert, said: “Mortgage rates are higher than many buyers had hoped for at the start of the year, and increases resulting from the war in Iran have understandably damaged the confidence of some.

“However, lenders remain willing to lend and the mortgage market remains competitive.”

Chris Thomas, managing director of Wiglesworth & Co Estate Agents in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, said: “In the type of market we are in at the moment, there are some clear rules that sellers need to follow to successfully find a buyer.

“First of all, accuracy of pricing is everything, and getting the price right the first time gives sellers the best chance.

“Secondly, sellers need to choose an agent who knows the local area and market extremely well and has a strong proven track record of providing honest and professional advice.

“There are still active buyers in the market and there are positive signs that mortgage rates may ease.”

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of property professional society Propertymark, said: “Although the year initially started with optimism in the housing market, global unrest has since dominated the agenda in many ways.

“Rightfully, many consumers are being more cautious with their spending to ensure their household budgets are better protected against unforeseen increases in spending.”