House price inflation surges to 7.5% in October

November 30, 2020

House prices rose by 7.5% year-on-year in October due to strong demand for higher value homes, Halifax’s House Price Index has found.Quarterly prices increased by a substantial 4.0%, bringing the average price to £250,457 across the UK. Month-on-month price growth slowed considerably, down to 0.3% compared to 1.5% in September.

Overall we saw a broad continuation of recent trends with the market still predominantly being driven by home-mover demand for larger houses. Since March flat prices are up by 2.0% compared to a 6.0% increase for a typical detached property. In cash terms that equates to a £2,883 increase for flats compared to a £27,371 rise for detached houses.

This level of price inflation is underpinned by unusually high levels of demand, with latest industry figures showing home-buyer mortgage approvals at their highest level since 2007, as transaction levels continue to be supercharged by pent-up demand as a result of the spring/summer lockdown, as well as the Chancellor’s waiver on stamp duty for properties up to £500,000.

While government support measures have undoubtedly helped to delay the expected downturn in the housing market, they will not continue indefinitely and, as we move through autumn and into winter, the macroeconomic landscape in the UK remains highly uncertain.

The property market is moving from strength to strength. Amidst the uncertainty, buyer demand for bricks and mortar is pushing prices to record highs.