Have UK house prices turned the corner?

The average price of a house in the UK rose by 0.8% on the year in November, the fastest pace since April.

UK house prices are showing signs of life. Nationwide data shows that the average price of a home rose 0.8% on the year in November, the fastest pace since April. With inflation running at 1.5% and wage growth at 3.5%, that means that prices are slowly falling in real terms and becoming more affordable. The house price/earnings ratio is currently at about 6.8, below its 2017 peak of 7.3 but still well above the long-term average of 4.5.

The slowdown has been most pronounced in London, says Oliver Shah in The Sunday Times. Property prices in the capital dropped 5% from their 2016 peak before a recent low; sales volumes fell 40%. Yet the "bulls are beginning to paw the ground". A 21.1% jump in the number of buyers in October and a sharp rise in the number of estate agents predicting price growth over the next 12 months suggests that the market may have turned the corner. House prices in the city picked up 1% year-on-year in October.

Yet while British house prices are now moderating compared to incomes, it may take some time for first-time buyers to feel the effect, writes Melissa Lawford in The Daily Telegraph. Housing market trends usually start in the most expensive properties and cities and then gradually trickle down into the wider market as people find themselves priced out, explains Hansen Lu of Capital Economics. Where London leads, the rest of the country often follows.

Recommended

Where will house prices go in 2023?
House prices

Where will house prices go in 2023?

We explore what could happen to house prices in 2023 as the market continues to slow down.
24 Mar 2023
HMRC: UK property transactions down by nearly 20%
House prices

HMRC: UK property transactions down by nearly 20%

The latest data from HMRC reflected the long-lasting effects of the mini-Budget on the UK property market and house prices.
21 Mar 2023
Rightmove: UK house prices up £3,000 as property market rebounds
House prices

Rightmove: UK house prices up £3,000 as property market rebounds

Rightmove’s latest house price index shows the property market has been resilient despite an economic downturn
20 Mar 2023
Buying vs renting: as mortgage rates rise, which is cheaper?
Property

Buying vs renting: as mortgage rates rise, which is cheaper?

In the UK, buying a home has traditionally been the preferred option over renting. But is that still true? Rebecca Goodman asks: which makes more sen…
17 Mar 2023

Most Popular

Where will house prices go in 2023?
House prices

Where will house prices go in 2023?

We explore what could happen to house prices in 2023 as the market continues to slow down.
24 Mar 2023
Will energy prices go down in 2023?
Personal finance

Will energy prices go down in 2023?

Ofgem’s price cap is now predicted to fall below £2,000, based on average typical use, from July, for the first time since 2022. We have all the detai…
21 Mar 2023
5 top UK tech stocks
Investments

5 top UK tech stocks

The UK market has never been considered a fertile hunting ground for tech stars. But there are plenty of promising companies beyond the old economy, s…
23 Mar 2023