House prices grew by 7.1% in England, 6.9% in Wales, 1.4% in Scotland and 2.7% in Northern Ireland. House price growth is increasing strongly across some parts of the UK, with prices in London again showing the highest growth.
Annual house price increases in England were driven by rises in London (13.2%), the South East (7.1%) and the West Midlands (5.3%). Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 3.8% in the 12 months to January 2014.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices increased by 0.6% between December 2013 and January 2014. In January 2014, prices paid by first-time buyers were 7.6% higher on average than in January 2013. For owner-occupiers (existing owners), prices increased by 6.5% for the same period.
Richard Sexton, director of e.surv chartered surveyors, commented:
“The housing market is sparking with energy. Prices have increased in every region of the UK ignited by a renewed confidence in the economy. Buyers are taking advantage of low rates on offer to get on the housing ladder. And more buyers are choosing to buy now in anticipation of further price rises in the imminent future.
“Help to Buy is propelling many people who would have been left renting onto the housing ladder, meaning first-time buyers are at the forefront of the recovery. It has allowed more lending to borrowers with smaller deposits and this has eased the struggle to save while interest rates – and wages – remain low. High LTV lending still has some ground to make up; it is still a quarter behind what it was in 2008. But the extension of Help to Buy 1 announced in the Budget will see first-time buyers supported until the end of the decade. If this comes hand-in-hand with more home-building, the number of first-time buyers will continue climbing for the foreseeable future.”
Lucy Hodge, Director of Vantage Finance said:
“House prices are still on the rise, and we’re seeing a huge amount of activity by investors keen to take on more projects as stock continues to fly. That said, it’s also becoming harder for property investors to secure deals and in recent months we’ve noticed a growing number re-thinking their strategies or looking in different geographical areas.
“The challenges are particularly noticeable in auction situations in certain London postcodes, where it's incredibly hard to succeed. As a result, we’ve seen short terms loans grow in popularity among investors who want to boost their chances of success in a fast moving market.
“Now more than ever, investor clients will be looking to brokers to support them with robust solutions and sound guidance. The opportunities out there for investors are huge, and brokers who can help their clients to act quickly and sensibly will reap the benefits.”
Karen Bennett, Sales and Marketing Director, Commercial Mortgages, Shawbrook Bank said:
“The rise in prices indicated by the ONS certainly doesn’t come as a surprise, given the consistently upward trend we’ve witnessed over recent months. Inevitably there will be some who greet the news with trepidation, but a burst bubble is by no means a foregone conclusion. Provided that property investors, brokers and lenders conduct themselves with an eye to the future – in the full knowledge that base rates will not remain this low for ever – we don’t need to fear what’s ahead. Sensibly geared portfolios and a savvy approach to location will allow brokers and their investor clients to make the most of the current property climate, and will stand them in good stead if prices do level out in the not too distant future.”
