What will the inflation figures mean for interest rates The recent inflation figures were higher than the market was expecting. Rising to 3% in January for the year up from 2.5% in December. Estate agents and those involved in the housing market keenly watch the inflation figures for hints what the Bank of England may do with base rates! High inflation often means higher interest rates – bad for borrowers. The next rate meeting result is announced at midday on 20th March 2025. We will have to wait to see whether rates will change then!