Halifax has reported that house prices reached a record high for the second month in a row in April.
In the latest quarter (February to April) house prices were 0.9% higher than in the preceding three months (November to January).
Meanwhile, house prices were 8.2% higher than in April 2020.
Russell Galley, managing director of Halifax, said: “House prices in April eclipsed the record high set the month before as the market continued to maintain its recent momentum. The average property is now worth £258,204, up 1.4% month on month and 8.2% annually, the highest annual growth rate in five years. In cash terms, almost £20,000 has been added to the value of the average home since the market had essentially come to a standstill in April 2020.
“The stamp duty holiday continues to add impetus to an extremely active market, magnifying the current shortage of available homes as buyers aim to take advantage of the government scheme. The influence of the stamp duty holiday will fade gradually over the coming months as it’s tapered out but low stock levels, low interest rates and continued demand is likely to continue to underpin prices in the market.
“However, we do expect recent levels of activity to be sustained over the short-term as buyers continue to search for homes with more space and potentially better suited for their new working patterns. Savings built up over the months in lockdown have given some buyers even more cash to invest in their dream properties, while the new mortgage guarantee scheme may have eased deposit constraints for some prospective homebuyers who previously thought their first step on the housing ladder was a few years away.
“There is growing optimism in the long-term outlook of the UK economy as the vaccination programme continues at pace, yet we remain cautious about the medium-term prospects of the housing market. As we said in March, the current levels of uncertainty and potential for higher unemployment as furlough support ends leads us to believe that house price growth will slow to the end of the year.”
Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, added: “The housing market is hot, continuing to break new records with prices surging to a record high in April. Just a year after the market ground to a halt thanks to the pandemic, the average home is now worth an extra £20,000 – quite the achievement.
“The stamp duty holiday is still the main impetus for buyers keen to take advantage of the saving but low interest rates are set to continue long after the concession has gone. Lack of stock is pushing up prices, with demand outstripping supply. This is making it hard for first-time buyers in particular although increased choice of 95% mortgages may help them realise their home ownership dream sooner rather than later.”
