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UK House Prices Rise for First Time in Over a Year

In a notable shift, UK house prices saw their first annual rise over a year in February, propelled by a drop in mortgage rates, according to a Nationwide survey.

Upward Trajectory in Property Values

The average home price climbed to £260,420, marking a 0.7% increase from the previous month and a 1.2% uptick compared to last year. This resurgence follows a year-on-year decline of 0.2% in January, representing a promising reversal of fortunes for the housing market.

Resurgence in Buyer and Seller Activity

Buyers and sellers are increasingly re-engaging with the property market. Property website Zoopla forecasts a potential 10% rise in home sales this year.

Impact of Reduced Borrowing Costs

Nationwide’s chief economist, Robert Gardner, attributes the uptick in market activity to the recent decline in borrowing costs. Mortgage rates have been easing since reaching a 15-year peak in July amidst heightened inflation concerns.

Mortgage Rate Dynamics

While the average two-year fixed mortgage rate remains elevated at 6.66%, it has decreased significantly from previous highs. Mortgage providers are engaging in a price war, offering competitive rates below 4%, with Nationwide leading the charge by reducing its five-year fixed mortgage rate to 3.84%.

Future Outlook and Uncertainty

Despite positive developments, uncertainty looms regarding future interest rate trajectories. Gardner highlights the potential impact of recent increases in swap rates on fixed-rate mortgage pricing, underscoring the delicate balance in sustaining housing market recovery.

Caution Amidst Optimism

A prominent estate agent, Jeremy Leaf, advises against solely focusing on property prices when evaluating market performance, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of underlying dynamics.

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