UK house prices closing in on new high according to Halifax

UK House Prices

Last month, the average UK house price nearly reached a record high, buoyed by decreasing mortgage rates that have lifted buyer confidence, Halifax reports.

Halifax, the UK’s largest mortgage lender, noted that the average house price climbed to £293,399 in September 2024, narrowly missing the record of £293,507 set in June 2022.

According to Halifax, house prices have been on an upward trend for three consecutive months as market conditions have improved.

Easier mortgage affordability, driven by robust wage increases and declining interest rates, has enhanced confidence among buyers, leading to a rise in the number of mortgages agreed upon over the past year.

Halifax has recorded a 4.7% increase in house prices compared to the previous year, marking the most rapid growth rate since November 2022.

UK mortgage rates fall in January 2024

Mortgage rates down

Mortgage lenders have started 2024 by cutting interest rates.

The UK’s biggest lender, the Halifax, has cut some interest rates by nearly a full 1%, with other lenders expected to follow suit. HSBC has announced it will also make cuts in January.

Halifax is reducing its rates, with interest on a two-year fixed deal being cut by up to 0.83%. HSBC is due to reduce rates on its two-year fixed rate for remortgages (for someone with at least 40% equity in their home) falling below 4.5% for the first time since early June last year.

Mortgage rate chart October 2021 – January 2024

The Bank of England’s (BoE) benchmark interest rate has been held three times at 5.25%, analysts now expect the next move to be down.