The house market showed early signs of slowing in September, according to industry data released on Friday, as house prices nudged lower.
According the Halifax House Price Index, house prices eased 0.1% in September, compared to a marginal rise of 0.3% in August and the second decrease in three months. The annual growth rate also eased, to 9.9% from 11.4%.
The average UK property now costs £293,835, a slight reduction on the previous figure of £293,992, though it remains near record highs.
Kim Kinnaird, director at Halifax Mortgages, said: “The events of the last few weeks have led to greater uncertainty. However, in reality, house prices have been largely flat since June, up by around £250. This compares to a rise of more than £10,000 during previous quarter, suggesting that the housing market may have already entered a more sustained period of slower growth.”
Looking ahead, Kinnaird said there were “many variables at play”, noting: “While stamp duty cuts, the short supply of homes for sales and a strong labour market all support house prices, the prospect of interest rates continuing to rise sharply amid the cost of living squeeze, plus the impact in recent weeks of higher mortgage borrowing costs on affordability, are likely to exert more significant downward pressure on house prices in the months ahead.”
