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- House prices rose 3.7% in the 12 months to November
House prices experienced their biggest monthly rise in two and a half years in November, according to new figures.
The value of the average house rose by an extraordinary 1.2 per cent last month, according to the latest figures from Nationwide Building Society. This was the largest monthly gain since March 2022.
On a year-on-year basis, house prices rose 3.7 percent, the largest annual increase in two years.
Nationwide says prices are now just 1 percent below the all-time high recorded in the summer of 2022, before interest rates started rising.
In cash terms, the average property is now worth £268,144.
Near-record highs: Median house price just 1% below all-time peak, says Nationwide
Nationwide uses seasonal adjustment to smooth out the months that tend to be busiest and least active in the housing market.
On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, house prices increased 0.9 percent between October and November.
Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide, said the rise was due to improvements in household finances.
‘House market activity has remained relatively resilient in recent months, with the number of mortgage approvals approaching levels seen before the pandemic, despite the higher interest rate environment.
‘Strong labor market conditions, with low levels of unemployment and strong income increases, even after accounting for inflation, have helped underpin a steady rise in activity and house prices since the start of the year.
“Household balance sheets are also in good shape, with debt levels at their lowest levels relative to household income since the mid-2000s.”
However, he added that buying a home or moving remains a challenge for many.
“Affordability remains limited by historical standards, with house prices still high relative to median incomes and interest rates well above pre-Covid levels,” Gardner said.
Will the stamp duty increase affect house prices?
Looking ahead, experts believe house prices will continue to rise given the looming stamp duty deadline, which could encourage buyers to try to complete before April 2025, as well as the possibility of higher mortgage rates. lows.
Currently, people moving home pay stamp duty if their home costs more than £250,000, but in March 2025 this will drop back to £125,000, the level it was at before they were made temporary changes to the 2022 mini-budget.
A first-time buyer purchasing a property worth up to £425,000 currently pays no stamp duty. However, this limit will revert to the old threshold of £300,000.
This means the same £425,000 purchase will be subject to a tax bill of £6,205 from 1 April.
Jonathan Hopper, chief executive of Garrington Property Finders, said: “We are seeing the first signs of another “stamp duty stampede” as many first-time buyers rush to complete their purchases before the stamp duty thresholds change to end of March.
“And while many mortgage lenders have yet to pass on the latest base rate cut to new borrowers, some would-be buyers are feeling spurred into action as they realize cheaper mortgages are on the way.”
Nicky Stevenson, managing director of estate agent group Fine & Country, added: “First-time buyers now pay no stamp duty on homes up to £425,000, but this will be reduced to £300,000.” “These changes are creating urgency among buyers eager to complete transactions before costs rise.”
Stevenson also believes rising inflation and living costs could lead some buyers to pause their plans and focus on savings.
“Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if this demand continues through the winter months or if the market takes its usual seasonal breather.”
“While activity is strong now, the true test of the market’s resilience will come in the new year,” he added.