Halifax figures show third consecutive month of growth – Thoughts from the Industry

The latest Halifax House Price Index for August shows that: –

 

  • On a monthly basis, house prices increased by 0/3% in August.
  • This was the third consecutive monthly increase seen.
  • House prices were also up 2.2% on an annual basis although this annual rate of growth had cooled from the 2.5% seen in July.
  • The new average house price now sits at £299,331.

 

Thoughts from the Industry:

Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark:

“With the number of listings, sales agreed, and stock levels higher than this time last year, and with some banks offering specific help to first-time buyers to take their first step onto the housing ladder, this is a sign that the housing market is holding firm.

“However, the latest announcements from the UK Government about reforming Stamp Duty and charging landlords with National Insurance contributions ahead of the next Budget will continue to add further uncertainty for many potential buyers and sellers. This may delay moving plans for a number of people until they know for sure what is likely to happen next. Therefore, we need to see further clarity from the UK Government sooner rather than later.”

 

Guy Gittins, CEO of Foxtons:

“Following interest rate reductions, improving mortgage affordability and the increasing number of higher loan-to-income ratio products available, we’re now seeing the uplift in mortgage market activity begin to convert into transactional growth. In turn, the rate of house price growth is starting to accelerate.

Market momentum remains steady and this underlying stability is encouraging buyers and sellers back into the fold, albeit with a degree of caution ahead of November’s budget.

For those looking to sell, the key to success is a pragmatic approach to pricing in line with current market conditions.”

 

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves:

“Another month of measured house price growth and the third consecutive monthly increase seen confirms what we’ve been seeing on the ground – a slow but steady market trajectory that demonstrates buyer and seller activity is building, albeit gradually.

Whilst the market has stabilised considerably in recent months, there’s now a new layer of uncertainty hanging over us as we look towards the Autumn Budget and this is likely to keep many buyers, in particular, sitting on the fence for the short term.

However, for many, this isn’t about the threat of higher costs or new taxes, but rather the possibility of stamp duty being scrapped altogether. Understandably, buyers are keen to wait and see if such a significant financial barrier is removed and should the government take that step, we can expect a sugar rush of sudden house price inflation as buyer activity is supercharged like never before”

 

Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa:

“House prices continue to edge higher, underlining the resilience of the market in the face of wider economic pressures and the continued drive from the nation’s homebuyers to climb the ladder.

Improved mortgage affordability is encouraging more buyers to return and this is a trend that is only likely to build as we approach the final stretch of 2025 and the rush to complete before Christmas.

However, the prospect of a stamp duty reform is a powerful incentive which may temper this usual seasonal surge in activity, at least until the dust has settled on the Autumn Budget.”

EAN Breaking News

Breaking News from the team at Estate Agent Networking. Have a new story to share with us? Then please get in contact today! When and where we can we will refer to third party websites with a 'live link back' where news was released first.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Industry Response to the Resignation of Angela Rayner

Lawrence Turner, Director of Boyer said: “Angela Rayner’s planning reforms rightly acknowledged the scale of the Housing Crisis and the urgent need for bold, decisive action. Her resignation must not become an excuse for delay. The new Secretary of State now bears the responsibility to continue to unlock delivery and work to win the support…
Read More
Breaking News

Halifax figures show third consecutive month of growth – Thoughts from the Industry

The latest Halifax House Price Index for August shows that: –   On a monthly basis, house prices increased by 0/3% in August. This was the third consecutive monthly increase seen. House prices were also up 2.2% on an annual basis although this annual rate of growth had cooled from the 2.5% seen in July.…
Read More
Breaking News

House prices continue to rise at a steady pace

• House prices increased by +0.3% in August, marking a third consecutive monthly rise • Average property price now £299,331, edging up to a new record high • Annual rate of growth eases slightly to +2.2% (down from +2.5% in July) • Average price paid by first-time buyers falls slightly as affordability improves • Northern…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

From offer to ownership: The risk of celebrating your mortgage too soon

Securing a mortgage is a major milestone, but celebrating too soon can lead to costly mistakes. Louise Ainley, a qualified conveyancer at licensed conveyancer course provider Access Law Online, explains the important steps to take after your mortgage is approved for new homeowners to avoid delays, protect their investment, and for a smooth transition to…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

New record rent across Great Britain as landlords brace for Renters’ Rights Bill and potential tax changes

The average advertised rent across Great Britain has risen to a new record in August of £1,577 per calendar month Average advertised rents are now 3% higher than at this time last year, in line with Rightmove’s prediction for the year, with constrained supply contributing to rising rents: The number of available homes to rent…
Read More
Software & Tech

Top Technical SEO Mistakes Dubai Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)

Dubai’s digital marketplace is one of the most competitive in the world. Businesses are investing heavily in design, ads, and content—but many overlook the foundation of online success: technical SEO. Without it, even the best marketing campaigns can fail to deliver results. That’s why forward-thinking companies turn to solutions like data-driven SEO Service in Dubai…
Read More