House prices in May went up by 0.5% following a 2.3% decline in April. The average house price now stands at £160,941 – virtually identical to this time a year ago, Halifax has reported.
Martin Ellis, Halifax’s housing economist, said: “Whilst there has been a modest improvement in the trend for house prices recently, the current average UK price is very similar to the levels both a year ago and at the beginning of this year.
“We expect this situation to continue, with prices likely to still be around today’s levels at the end of 2012 as the ongoing tough economic environment constrains housing demand.”
Referring to a finding by HMRC that the number of home sales fell off sharply in April, declining by 18% compared with March, Ellis said: “Recent monthly house sales figures have clearly been affected by the ending of the Stamp Duty holiday for first-time buyers in late March.
“Overall, the trend for sales – like that for prices – appears to be one of broad stability.
Comments
"Referring to a finding by HMRC that the number of home sales fell off sharply in April, declining by 18% compared with March, Ellis said: “Recent monthly house sales figures have clearly been affected by the ending of the Stamp Duty holiday for first-time buyers in late March.""
Hmmm... yet no mention of the statement in the report that says "Nonetheless, sales were still 3% higher than in April 2011."
Funny, that. News is what those who want to make it, make it.
@Hawkeye on 2012-06-08 09:46:35
" Here we go again %age %age %age and meaning what? "
Exactly!
Flip flopping a silly fraction up or down every few days from one source or another.
Meaningless. Unless accompanied by district (county?) area changes - that would be useful..
Here we go again %age %age %age and meaning what?
Tiptoe - REALLY? What a superb choice of wording, it makes me think of:
Tiptoe through the window
By the window, that is where I'll be
Come tiptoe through the tulips with me
Oh, tiptoe from the garden
By the garden of the willow tree
And tiptoe through the tulips with me
Knee deep in flowers we'll stray
We'll keep the showers away
And if I kiss you in the garden, in the moonlight
Will you pardon me?
And tiptoe through the tulips with me