Monthly Data Digest

Connecting the dots across UK systems.

Monthly analysis of ONS labour market data, Bank of England reports, NHS statistics, housing figures, and energy costs—translated into plain English and synthesized to show what's really happening across the economy.

One comprehensive article per month showing patterns, trends, and what to watch next.

Published mid-month after major data releases.

Housing Market Monthly Digest: January 2026 Property Prices

The Above audio is a summary of the article below

Housing Market Snapshot

At a Glance: January 2026 Property Market

Median House Price	£290,000 (UP 7.4% year-on-year)
Average House Price	£353,989
Transaction Volume	16,004 sales (DOWN 45% from December)
Detached Houses	£425,000 median (3,794 sales)
Semi-Detached Houses	£280,000 median (4,545 sales)
Terraced Houses	£230,000 median (4,914 sales)
Flats/Maisonettes	£225,000 median (2,453 sales)
Freehold vs Leasehold	81% Freehold, 19% Leasehold

The Trend: Prices holding steady (+7.4% year-on-year) but transaction volumes collapsed 45% from December - market stalled

What It Means: Buyers staying away despite stable prices. High mortgage rates (5.5%) and economic uncertainty keeping market frozen. Sales volumes at multi-year lows.

"Bank of England Holds Rates at 3.75% Despite Weakening Economy - February 2026"

The Above audio is a summary of the article below

Bank of England Decision

At a Glance: February 2026 MPC Decision

Bank Rate Decision	HELD at 3.75% (5-4 vote split)
Members Voting to Hold	5 (Bailey, Greene, Lombardelli, Mann, Pill)
Members Voting to Cut	4 (Breeden, Dhingra, Ramsden, Taylor)
Inflation Outlook	Expected to fall to around 2% from April 2026
Unemployment Status	Just over 5% - labour market loosening
GDP Growth	Below potential - subdued economic growth
Wage Growth	Easing but above target-consistent levels
Future Rate Cuts	"Likely to be reduced further" - timing uncertain

The Decision: Committee split but holds rates despite rising unemployment and weak growth

What It Means: Mortgages stay expensive, business borrowing stays high, economy remains under pressure - but inflation control takes priority over supporting jobs and growth.

AT A GLANCE: DECEMBER 2025 LABOUR MARKET

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Labour Market Snapshot

At a Glance: December 2025 Labour Market

Employment (Payrolled)	DOWN 171,000 year-on-year (30.3 million)
Self-Employment	DOWN 201,000 year-on-year
Unemployment Rate	5.1% (UP from previous quarter)
Claimant Count	1.68 million people
Nominal Wage Growth	4.6% (regular pay)
Real Wage Growth	0.5% (after inflation)
Private Sector Wages	3.9% (below inflation - workers getting poorer)
Job Vacancies	729,000 (flat, not growing)