The volatility of UK house prices always makes it difficult to predict house prices. But, there are signs that we will be seeing moderate house price falls in 2011. Affordability and house price to income ratios still remain quite high. With the prospect of wage freezes, job losses and higher interest rates, demand for housing [...]
Factors That Affect Selling Price of Houses
In general terms, house prices are determined by the availability of supply and demand in the economy. For example, higher interest rates combined with lower economic growth tends to reduce demand for houses and therefore reduce prices. For more detailed look see: Factors that affect house prices However, away from macro-economic factors, there are also [...]
House Prices in 2011
In the second half of 2010, UK house prices fell, and this trend is likely to continue into 2011. However, lack of surplus supply and low interest rates, mean that the house prices falls are likely to be moderate and could return. Difficulties of Housing Market in 2011 Economic recovery from deepest recession since 1930s [...]
House Price History
This graph shows house prices in the UK since 1952, when the Nationwide building society started keeping records. House prices were a mere £1,891 in 1952. By 2007, they had climbed to just under £185,000. If house prices had kept inline with inflation then a house should be worth £43,701.01 This reflects how mortgages have [...]
Video on House Prices
A video on looking at the problems of the UK Housing Market. Why House prices are falling. Why is it difficult to deal with falling house prices.
UK House Values
UK house prices continue to fall. In the month of August house values fell by nearly £5,000 to £164,654. The decline in house prices is linked to the shortage of credit in the mortgage markets, but, also reflects a fundamental long term misalignment of house value. House prices have risen faster than earnings as people [...]
UK House Prices Slump
Data from the Nationwide suggest that house prices are falling at their fastest rate since 1991. Average house prices have dropped from their peak in July 2007 and look set to fall further. The main reasons behind the housing slump include; Freezing up of mortgage sector. Banks saddled with bad detbs are unwilling to lend [...]
US House Prices Slump
US House prices have slumped on the back of more problems in the credit markets. The drop in house prices is not the biggest fall since the Great Depression, and in some cities it is even worse. Despite interest rates of 2%, the demand for houses has dried up due to: rising unemployment Falling availability [...]
Avoiding the Stamp Duty Thresholds
The UK stamp duty thresholds mean that buying a slightly more expensive house can lead to a big jump in the amount of stamp duty that you have to pay. For example, if you buy a house for £249,000 the stamp duty is £2,490 However, if you buy a house for £250,000 the stamp duty [...]