The new record was achieved as prices rose 1.2% (+£2,957) in June, the sixth consecutive monthly rise this year. While London sets another new record of £515,243, continuing its upward trajectory, the biggest winner is the South East which sees a record price of £329,968 as a result of a whopping 14.8% increase over the first six months of 2013.
There is also early evidence of a wider recovery as asking prices in the north (North, North West, Yorks & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, and Wales) rose by 9.2% , almost keeping pace with the 10.6% seen in the south (Greater London, South East, South West and East Anglia) over the first half of the year.
Given asking prices reflect the aspirations of both sellers and local estate agents they are a leading measure of market confidence.
These increases, along with reports from agents and developers of a pick-up in transactions, suggest a wider and more sustainable recovery as the price buoyancy of the London market shows signs of spreading across the country.
Miles Shipside, director and housing market analyst at Rightmove comments:
“While this month sees several new price records, it’s the South East that has really started to lift-off. On top of that, the first half of 2013 saw little sign of the traditional north-south divide with the first-half asking price surge in the north almost equal to that of the south. The good news is that this indicates a wider upturn, albeit at historically low but increasing volumes. The bad news for would be buyers is that it has helped propel the average price of a property coming to market through the quarter of a million quid milestone for the first time. It is worth remembering that while the asking price and the eventual sale price may differ by a small margin, the asking price is a very strong indicator of perceived market value and direction. It will take account of local supply and demand, as well as wider economic forces such as interest rates and consumer confidence.”
“London’s new sellers are asking an average of 30% more than they were four years ago compared to those in the South East who are asking less than 15% more. Although the South East has lagged behind the capital in recent years it is the biggest winner so far this year as, frankly, it has become ‘under-priced’. It offers real comparative value for buyers needing access to London but with housing needs or aspirations that leave them priced out of London itself. While some northern regions outpaced London this year, the price gap remains daunting for those looking to up sticks and head to the bright but dazzlingly expensive lights of the capital. The average price of a property in London is still more than three times higher than in the north.”
Ben Thompson, MD Legal & General Mortgage Club, comments on the latest Rightmove data:
“Yet more strong figures and a sixth consecutive rise in prices may raise concerns from some commentators that the market is in danger of overheating. However, the fact remains that while London and the south-east continue to surge the picture in the rest of the country is not quite as clear cut. More work is needed to ensure the recovery in these areas starts to pick up the pace and isn’t left on the blocks.”
