Newly Released Data Reveals Fifth Consecutive Monthly Increase
In a promising turn of events, the UK housing market has witnessed robust growth for the fifth consecutive month, according to the latest figures from Halifax. The 0.4% uptick translates to a £1,091 increase in cash, pushing the average house price to £291,699. This encouraging trend suggests a resilient start to 2024, aligning with increased housing activity and mortgage approvals.
National and Regional Highlights
The nationwide analysis shows a mixed picture, with Northern Ireland emerging as the strongest performer, boasting a substantial 5% increase in house prices on an annual basis. The average property in Northern Ireland now commands £195,956, reflecting a significant £9,359 surge since February 2023. Other notable regions experiencing positive growth include the North West (+4.4%), the North East (+4.2%), and Wales (+4.1%).
Contrastingly, Eastern England witnessed a slight setback, with property prices falling by 0.8% last month. The average home in this region now sells for £329,927, reflecting a decrease of £2,794 compared to the same period in 2023.
London, long-standing as the region with the highest average house price, showed signs of recovery with a 1.5% increase. This marks the first positive annual growth observed since January 2023, bringing the average house price in the capital to £536,996.
Expert Insights and Analysis
Kim Kinnaird, Director at Halifax Mortgages, commented on the positive trajectory but remained cautious about the future. “These figures suggest a relatively stable start to 2024, aligning with other promising signs of increased housing activity. However, uncertainties linger, and the housing market might experience a slowdown this year despite lower mortgage rates and expected Bank of England interest rate cuts.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, emphasised the positive outlook for homeowners, citing an 89% increase in new properties entering the market. However, he urged the Bank of England to consider interest rate reductions to boost economic confidence for aspiring homeowners.
Tom Bill, Head of UK Residential Research at Knight Frank, provided a broader economic context, anticipating a rise in inflation before summer, positively impacting borrowing costs. Nevertheless, he warned that regional disparities in affordability could constrain market growth.
Industry Voices and Calls to Action
Matt Thompson, Head of Sales at Chestertons, highlighted the growing confidence among buyers and sellers, attributing it to stable interest rates and competitive mortgage rates. However, Sam Mitchell, CEO of Purplebricks, expressed concern over the missed opportunity in the Spring Budget to address stamp duty cuts, which could potentially disrupt the ongoing housing market recovery.
As the market continues its upward trajectory, experts suggest vigilance and realistic expectations, emphasising the need for informed decisions in an ever-changing economic landscape.
In summary, the consecutive rise in UK house prices signifies a positive start to 2024, with regional variations adding nuance to the overall picture. While experts remain cautiously optimistic, external factors such as interest rates and government policies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the housing market.