House prices down despite market recovery signs

Monday, 28 October 2024 15:14

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

WG

House prices in the Vale of Glamorgan are continuing to fall, according to the latest figures from the Principality Building Society.

But the Wales House Price Index suggests the market is staging a gradual recovery thanks to an 11% increase in sales over the past year.

Across Wales, average prices fell to around £232,400 - down by around 2.9% on the same time last year and nearly 7% below the all-time peak of £249,000 at the end of 2022.

In the Vale, the average house price now stands at £299,812 - down by 12.1% in the third quarter of 2024 and by 11.6% in the past year.

But 11,200 transactions were reported in Wales over the summer - an increase on 18% a year ago.

According to the Principality, that supports the recovery in property sales which began in the spring, following a period of steady decline prompted by the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates.

Most local authorities saw prices fall - but Merthyr is among those to have bucked the trend with a 9.1% increase, while Wrexham saw average prices rise by 5.3%.

Shaun Middleton, Principality's head of distribution, said this quarter's figures had shown "no clear direction with house price trends.

But he added: "Nevertheless, there is a clear upward trend in sales, demonstrating that market activity is looking positive overall.”

"Accounting for seasonal impacts such as the general election and time of year, the data supports a gradual market upturn, with Wales showing glimmers of steady improvement."

"The UK Government's upcoming October budget announcement is expected soon, with strong indications that housing affordability will be a key focus."

A recent survey by the building society found nearly half of those who responded found the interest rate level set by the Bank of England impacted their ability to save.

The recent base rate reduction to 5% and predictions that this could fall further are considered to be encouraging signs of better market conditions, combined with a resurgence in sales of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses.

Shaun Middleton said: "While house prices are still adjusting downward, sales activity is gaining momentum, suggesting that a slow but steady recovery might be on the horizon."

"However, the pace and nature of the recovery varies by region and property type, so potential buyers should stay informed about local conditions."

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