Annual UK house price growth slowed to 4.4% in November, from 7.2% in October, according to Nationwide Building Society’s latest house price index.
It found that house prices fell 1.4% month-on-month, the biggest fall since June 2020, following the 0.9% drop in October.
Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “The fallout from the mini-Budget continued to impact the market, with November seeing a sharp slowdown in annual house price growth to 4.4%, from 7.2% in October. Prices fell by 1.4% month-on-month, after taking account of seasonal effects, the largest fall since June 2020.
“While financial market conditions have stabilised, interest rates for new mortgages remain elevated and the market has lost a significant degree of momentum. Housing affordability for potential buyers and home movers has become much more stretched at a time when household finances are already under pressure from high inflation.
“The market looks set to remain subdued in the coming quarters. Inflation is set to remain high for some time and Bank Rate is likely to rise further as the Bank of England seeks to ensure demand in the economy slows to relieve domestic price pressures.
“The outlook is uncertain, and much will depend on how the broader economy performs, but a relatively soft landing is still possible.
“Longer term borrowing costs have fallen back in recent weeks and may moderate further, especially if investors continue to revise down their expectations for the future path of Bank Rate. Given the weak growth outlook, labour market conditions are likely to soften, but they are starting from a robust position with unemployment still near 50-year lows.
“Moreover, household balance sheets remain in good shape with significant protection from higher borrowing costs, at least for a period, with around 85% of mortgage balances on fixed interest rates. Stretched housing affordability is also a reflection of underlying supply constraints, which should provide some support for prices.”
Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, added: “Prices are softening but could have fallen further were it not for those two stalwarts –shortage of supply and strong employment, despite continuing concerns over the rising cost of living and particularly mortgage repayments.
“The problem is not existing sales, the overwhelming majority of which are proceeding, but new business. However, some buyers are returning now that mortgage rates are beginning to fall but they are more aware of their stronger position so are negotiating hard.”
