House price growth bounces back, says Nationwide

The average price of a home in Britain improved for the first time since April last month, Nationwide data shows.

The latest Nationwide House Price Index shows average property prices rose by 1.6% annually in August, up from 1.4% in July.

Activity should regain momentum in the quarters ahead providing the energy shock wanes and confidence returns.”

Average prices rose by 0.2% on a monthly basis compared with a 0.1% decline in July. It puts the average house price at £275,465.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, says: “Market activity and house prices have remained subdued in recent months, in part reflecting the uncertain economic backdrop. Geopolitical tensions remain high, with the conflict in the Middle East exerting upward pressure on energy prices and market interest rates.

“Market expectations of the future path of bank rate have been volatile. While the latest energy price shock poses inflation risks, there have been encouraging signs that it is not feeding through to underlying price pressures. Indeed, private sector wage growth has eased further in recent months, which should give policymakers breathing space to assess the extent to which tighter policy is necessary to ensure inflation returns sustainably to target.

“Underlying affordability is improving, as house price growth remains well below earnings growth. although some of these gains have been offset by higher mortgage rates. Nevertheless, this suggests that activity should regain momentum in the quarters ahead providing the energy shock wanes and confidence returns, especially if market interest rates fall back towards pre-conflict levels.”

Nicky Stevenson, Managing Director of Fine & Country, says: “The latest Nationwide figures reinforce the picture of a housing market that is moving forward, but at a measured pace. A 1.6% annual increase in house prices is neither boom nor bust, but reflects a market maintaining a solid baseline of activity while buyers remain highly selective.

“One of the biggest factors shaping the market is the increased choice available to buyers. The overall stock of homes for sale is around 5% higher than a year ago, giving purchasers more options and helping to keep house price inflation in check. At the same time, homes are taking longer to find a buyer, underlining just how important realistic pricing and strong presentation have become.

“There is activity in the market and transaction levels show that people are still moving, but buyers are taking longer to make decisions and are less willing to compromise. Properties that are correctly priced and stand out from the competition are attracting attention, while those that come to market with unrealistic expectations can struggle.

“As we head into the autumn, we expect activity to improve from the summer slowdown, although uncertainty around inflation, mortgage rates and the wider policy environment will continue to limit stronger price growth.

“For both buyers and sellers, the key message is that national house price figures only tell part of the story. Local market conditions can vary significantly, and understanding supply, demand and pricing in your particular area will be more important than ever this autumn.”

Jason Tebb, President of OnTheMarket, says: “Broadly stable property values indicate a subdued market as focused buyers prepared to make their move during the usually quieter summer period proved to be price-sensitive in their negotiations.

“However, market resilience continues to be evident even while higher mortgage costs and economic uncertainty bring an element of caution. The market has steadied, helped by a calm hand at the tiller from the Bank of England with consecutive interest rate holds allaying fears and helping with affordability.

“Should mortgage rates remain stable and economic uncertainty eases, this could filter through to renewed activity and sales in the autumn. Inactivity isn’t an option for many, even if a new Prime Minister and another Budget brings an inevitable degree of doubt.”

Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive at Propertymark, says: “Considering factors such as ongoing global unrest, it is positive to see the housing market deliver stability and overall consistency.

“The wider economy continues to be finely balanced, with many factors continuing to prove an unwelcome undercurrent for consumer affordability. Across the year to date, there have been many challenges to navigate, with average energy prices climbing, inflation still higher than targeted and the base rate remaining higher than many might prefer.

“A key moment for many households will come with the next base rate decision due mid-month, closely followed by what might be included in the forthcoming Autumn Budget at the end of October.”

Amy Reynolds, Head of Sales at Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts, says:  “On the ground, we are seeing prices remain flat with sensible offers being accepted. There are more sellers than buyers, but sellers aren’t panicking – asking prices are coming down, but a lot of that is due to initial overpricing meeting the time it takes to find the market level.