“Even if economic conditions continue to improve, rising interest rates may exert a cooling influence on the market. Indeed, house price growth has been outpacing income growth by a significant margin and, as a result, housing affordability is already less favourable than was the case before the pandemic struck”. “There have been some signs of cooling in housing market activity in recent months. For example, the number of housing transactions were down almost 30% year-on-year in October. But this was almost inevitable, given the expiry of the Stamp Duty holiday at the end of September, which gave buyers a strong incentive to bring forward their purchase to avoid additional tax.

Property in London still taking longer to sell (57 days) as sellers outstrip buyers. Month on Month (MoM) asking prices down -0.4% as we enter the festive period where traditionally the housing market experiences a slow down.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) October 2021 UK Residential Market Survey reported buyer demand picking up slightly. The lack of available supply presents buyers with a limited choice and remains a key factor in strong house price growth. The Bank of England’s Agents summary of business conditions 2021 Q3 reported ongoing strong demand for housing across most of the UK and a shortage of properties for sale, which pushed up prices.

Ratio has more than doubled since the series started in 1983, meaning, relative to earnings - average house prices have got twice as expensive for 'First Time Buyers'.

The central bank, led by Governor Andrew Bailey, will announce next month whether lenders can increase the volume of large mortgages they dish out. Banks are limited in the home loans they can give to borrowers who need more than 4.5 times their salary. These customers must represent no more than 15 per cent of the new loans that banks issue. The Bank of England referenced the rules in an update last month, saying 'there has been little evidence of a deterioration in lending standards or a material increase in the number of highly indebted households'.

“UK house prices climbed again in October, as the value of the average property grew by 0.9%, an increase of more than £2,500 during the month. With prices rising for a fourth straight month, the annual rate of inflation now sits at 8.1%, its highest level since June.'' Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax

“Annual house price growth remained elevated in October at 9.9%, albeit marginally lower than the 10.0% recorded in September. Prices rose 0.7% in month-on-month terms, after taking account of seasonal effects. The price of a typical UK home has now passed the £250,000 mark, an increase of £30,728 since the pandemic struck in March 2020. “Demand for homes has remained strong, despite the expiry of the stamp duty holiday at the end of September. Indeed, mortgage applications remained robust at 72,645 in September, more than 10% above the monthly average recorded in 2019. Combined with a lack of homes on the market, this helps to explain why price growth has remained robust. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's Chief Economist.