Expectations for 2012 suggest broad stability in house prices nationally
The UK residential property market is expected to be stable in 2012 with little change in prices overall although the outlook is uncertain, according to the latest prediction report from the Halifax.
Analysts expect the Bank of England’s base rate to remain at 0.5% throughout the year and although there will be weak economic growth, high unemployment and mortgage funding pressures there are a lot of positives as well.
They point to affordability in the market place, a low lending rate, low levels of forced sales and a long term supply and demand imbalance as being good points for the year ahead.
‘The housing market has proved highly resilient in recent months despite the weak economic recovery and the significant deterioration in the outlook for both the UK and global economies,’ said Halifax’s housing economist, Martin Ellis.
‘House sales and the supply of properties on the market for sale have remained very stable since late 2010. These steady market conditions have helped to stabilise house prices and sales. As a result, the average price is currently little changed from that at the end of last year,’ he added.
He expects that there will be broad stability in house prices nationally in 2012.
‘Prices are again likely to end the year at levels close to where they begin with the market continuing to lack any real direction. The prospect of an exceptionally low Bank of England Bank Rate over the foreseeable future is likely to continue to support the market over the coming 12 months,’ he explained.
He also pointed out that largely as a result of low rates, typical mortgage payments for a new borrower have fallen from a peak of 48% of average disposable earnings in the middle of 2007 to 26% in the third quarter of 2011.
‘This is significantly below the average of 37% over the past 25 years and is at its lowest since 1997. Continuing low rates should further support the favourable affordability position for both those who already have a mortgage and those who are able to raise the required deposit to buy a home,’ said Ellis.
‘The favourable affordability position should also help to keep down the numbers of homeowners forced to sell their properties because they cannot keep up with their mortgage payments. A significant rise in the number of forced sellers is often a factor associated with sharp house price falls,’ he added.
However, weak economic growth and the prospect of continuing high, and probably rising, levels of unemployment led by large scale public sector job losses, will constrain housing demand.
‘Continuing significant pressures on householders’ finances will also limit many people’s ability, and willingness, to buy a home. These pressures will come from a combination of subdued earnings growth, high (but falling) inflation, the substantial fiscal tightening that is taking place and an ongoing rebalancing of household sector finances with many families seeking to reduce their debts,’ he said.
He also predicts some modest variations in house price movements across the country.
‘Prices are likely to be strongest in London and the South East as these regions perform better economically. House prices outside southern England are expected to be constrained by these areas’ weaker economic performance and their greater dependence on public sector employment,’ Ellis explained.
‘There is currently considerable uncertainty regarding the prospects for the UK economy. The path of the economy during 2012 will, to a large extent, depend on how events in the Eurozone unfold. In addition, the extent to which households choose to reduce their debts will also affect growth over the medium term. As a result, the outlook for both the economy and house prices is particularly uncertain,’ he concluded.