18% drop in house prices on “Brexit” says George Osborne

The latest prediction by George Osborne that house prices will drop by 18% over 2 years if the UK  votes to leave the EU  is another attempt to dissuade the “Brexit” supporters, it may have had some credibility if he had not been so precise with the figure, why not 10% or 25%, how does he arrive at precisely 18% and what evidence does he have to support such a claim? his claim is just an opinion as anyone else may hold an opinion, it is definately not a fact.

What is a fact is that many would welcome a drop in house prices, especially first time buyers who are desperate to get a foot on the property ladder, they would be more than happy to escape from being one of those who are termed as  “Generation Rent”.

House prices are at present grossly overpriced, no more so than in the capital, whatever the result of the referendum a cooling of house prices is more than likely to take place, this will probably start in London and ripple out, there are reports that ‘top end’  property prices have already started to stagnate in the capital and sellers are having to cut prices to attract buyers, whether Brexit or not house prices will almost certainly correct sometime in the future, that may come sooner than many expect if increases in interest rates begin to happen.

 

 

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Latest Halifax house price data shows a 1.3% increase

Here are some thoughts from the Industry   Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), comments: “The latest Halifax House Price Index confirms that average property values have remained above the £300,000 mark for the second consecutive month, reinforcing the resilience of the UK housing market. Sustained pricing at this level…
Read More
Breaking News

Halifax House Price Index February 2026

House prices rose in February as market maintains early-year momentum • House prices increased by +0.3% in February, following a +0.8% rise in January • Average property price is now £301,151, edging up to another new high • Annual growth of +1.3% is strongest in four months, up from +1.1% in January • Northern Ireland…
Read More
Breaking News

These are London’s most imbalanced housing markets

The latest research from Benham and Reeves reveals the least balanced housing markets in London where for-sale stock most heavily outweighs rental stock, thus putting renters in a difficult position when trying to find a home in the capital. Benham and Reeves has analysed current residential property listings in London* to discover which boroughs offer…
Read More
Breaking News

First-time buyer reform could reshape conveyancing risk landscape

The Government’s consultation on replacing the Lifetime ISA with a new first-time buyer savings product by April 2028, and review of the £450,000 property price cap, could have significant legal and transactional implications for buyers and property professionals alike. According to Beswicks Legal, the reform is a live conveyancing risk issue already affecting transactions on…
Read More
Breaking News

Property Redress reports Complaint enquiries rise 47%

Complaint enquiries rise 47% as Property Redress annual report shows faster resolutions and higher early settlements 47% increase in complaint enquiries in 2025 (4,220 vs 2,863 in 2024) 41% more cases accepted by December compared to the previous year Average resolution time reduced to 34 days (down from 39 days in 2024) 53% of cases resolved at early…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 2/3/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Rightmove’s CEO Johan Svanstrom … ‘is a man under pressure’ Rightmove’s ‘Unthinkable Event’ Thought Leadership by Mal McCallion CEO at ModelProp, guiding AI-driven growth in property. The #Rightmove CEO came out swinging on Friday when his company’s latest set of annual results, for 2025, showed that they…
Read More