Imagine waking up to news that the UK's average house price has smashed through the £300,000 barrier for the first time—yes, you heard that right, after a solid 0.7% jump in January. But hold on, while the nation celebrates this milestone, London's market is cooling off with price drops, leaving buyers and sellers navigating a tricky balance of affordability woes and renewed confidence. This could signal the start of a steadier 2026, but will regional divides derail the dream for city dwellers?