Home Crypto Analysis Explainers UK House Price Crash: Will Rising Interest Rates Finally Sink Britain’s Ever-Buoyant Housing Market?

UK House Price Crash: Will Rising Interest Rates Finally Sink Britain’s Ever-Buoyant Housing Market?

Giuseppe Ciccomascolo
Last Updated 29 mins ago
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Key Takeaways
  • UK house price growth slowed this year, raising doubts about BoE policy effectiveness.
  • High interest rates tackled inflation but negatively affected the UK housing market.
  • Are we going to face a new house price crash in the UK?

UK housing market has long been characterized by its resilience and ever-upward trajectory. However, in recent times, a looming question mark has emerged: will the surging tide of UK house prices encounter its long-anticipated reckoning?

This inquiry takes center stage as rising interest rates threaten to alter the landscape of Britain’s housing market, potentially delivering the long-dreaded blow to its seemingly buoyant nature.

For years, the UK’s housing market seemed impervious to the headwinds that affected various sectors of the economy. Even as global financial crises unfolded and uncertainties loomed, property prices in Britain continued to soar. Yet, a new chapter may be unfolding.

As the Bank of England (BoE) adjusts interest rates in response to economic conditions, the once-calm waters of the housing market have started to ripple with questions and concerns.

BoE interest rates impact on house prices
BoE interest rates impact on house prices

What Is a House Price Crash?

A house price crash, often known as a housing market crash, is a term that can evoke anxiety among homeowners, potential buyers, and economists. Fundamentally, a house price crash represents a substantial and abrupt decline in the prices of residential real estate, particularly within the housing market. It marks the point where the seemingly relentless increase in property values abruptly halts and takes a sharp, often painful turn downward.

During a house price crash, homeowners typically encounter challenging circumstances. The value of their most significant asset, their home, diminishes, making it difficult to sell or refinance. Those who purchased their homes at the market’s peak, they may find themselves in a state of negative equity, owing more on their mortgage than their home’s current value.

price crash chart
When does a price crash happen?

For potential buyers, a house price crash can present a mixed picture. On one hand, it makes homes more affordable. However, it can also serve as an indicator of economic instability and the possibility of stricter lending standards, which can complicate the home-buying process.

In summary, a house price crash is a pivotal event within the real estate market, with far-reaching economic and social implications. It signifies a significant and sudden drop in home values, influenced by various factors. Understanding the causes and consequences of such a crash is vital for both current homeowners and those aspiring to enter the property market.

What Causes a Property Market to Crash?

The property market, often considered a pillar of stability in the economy, can sometimes experience dramatic downturns, leading to a property market crash. Such crashes can have profound effects on homeowners, investors, and the broader economy. But what are the factors that can cause a property market to crash?

Economic Downturns

One of the primary triggers of a property market crash is an economic recession. During economic downturns, people tend to have less money to spend, leading to a decline in the demand for properties. As unemployment rises and consumer confidence wanes, homebuyers become scarce, and sellers may lower their prices to attract buyers.

UK house prices
Prices increase over the years

Interest Rate Hikes

Central banks control interest rates to manage inflation and economic growth. When interest rates rise, borrowing becomes more expensive. This can lead to reduced demand for homes, particularly in areas where mortgages are the primary means of home purchase. Higher interest rates can also put pressure on homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages.

Speculative Bubbles

Property markets can experience speculative bubbles, where prices rise significantly above their intrinsic values. This can be fueled by speculative buying, often with the expectation of quick profits. When the bubble bursts, property prices can fall dramatically, leaving investors and speculators with significant losses.

Tightened Lending Standards

Financial institutions often tighten lending standards in response to economic conditions or regulatory changes. When lending standards become more stringent, it can be harder for buyers to secure mortgages, leading to a decline in demand and, subsequently, property prices.

Overbuilding

An excess of new construction projects can lead to an oversupply of properties. This can happen when developers overestimate demand or when there’s a sudden shift in market conditions. An oversupply can put downward pressure on property prices as sellers compete for a limited pool of buyers.

Natural Disasters and Local Factors

Local conditions, such as natural disasters or job market fluctuations, can impact property markets. For instance, an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes may experience property market crashes due to the destruction of properties and a decrease in demand.

Global Economic Crises

Major global economic crises, like the 2008 financial crisis, can have a substantial impact on property markets. These crises can lead to widespread economic uncertainty, job losses, and a lack of confidence in the property market.

How Much Does an Average UK House Cost?

After six consecutive monthly declines, the UK housing market experienced a notable upturn in October and it continued growing. In fact, November marked the second consecutive month of price increases, according to leading mortgage lender Halifax .

The average house price index rose by 0.5% from October, building on the upwardly revised 1.2% surge in October. While prices showed a 1.0% annual decrease, a significant improvement from the 3.1% fall in September, the data signals a nuanced market shift.

In November, the average UK home price reached GBP283,615, reflecting a month-on-month increase of GBP1,300. Despite this positive trend, Halifax notes persistent downward pressure on house prices in South East England.

UK Market Resilience

“The resilience seen in house prices during 2023 continues to be underpinned by a shortage of properties available, rather than any significant strengthening of buyer demand,” said Halifax Mortgages Director Kim Kinnaird.

That said, recent figures for mortgage approvals suggest a slight uptick in activity levels, which is likely as a result of an improving picture on affordability for homebuyers. With mortgage rates starting to ease slightly, this may be leading to increased buyer confidence, seeing people more inclined to push ahead with their home purchases.

“However, the economic conditions remain uncertain, making it hard to assess the extent to which market activity will be maintained. Other pressures – like inflation, the broader cost of living, overall employment rates and affordability – mean we expect to see downward pressure on house prices into next year.”

Prices Slightly Down In October

Also according to Nationwide figures , prices increased in October every month while the annual pace of decline eased.

In October, Nationwide data revealed a somewhat alleviated annual decline in UK house prices, with monthly price increases. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, UK house prices saw a 0.9% rise from September, compared to the 0.1% increase in September from August.

Nationwide house price index table
Credit: Nationwide

Year-on-year, prices dropped by 3.3% in October, showing a slowdown from the 5.3% decline observed in September. The average house price, without seasonal adjustment, stood at GBP259,423 in October, up from GBP257,808 in September.

Nationwide’s Chief Economist, Robert Gardner, noted that housing market activity remains notably sluggish, with only 43,300 mortgages approved for house purchases in September, about 30% below the 2019 monthly average. The upturn in house prices in October is likely attributed to limited property supply, with little sign of forced selling, given the stability in labor market conditions and historically low mortgage arrears.

But 2023 Won’t Be As Negative As Expected

New data from Rightmove , published on Monday, November 13, 2023, reveals a 1.7% monthly decline in UK house prices for November, marking the steepest November fall since 2018. Despite this, the property market has fared better in 2023 than expected, with prices currently down by 1.3% year-on-year. While house prices are inching closer to Rightmove’s earlier projection of a 2% decline for 2023, sellers embracing more realistic pricing strategies have contributed to this month’s downturn.

According to Tim Bannister, a Rightmove analyst, the larger-than-usual price drop suggests a growing awareness among sellers of the importance of pricing their properties competitively from the outset. The impact of higher mortgage rates on buyers’ affordability has also played a role in the market’s dynamics. As a result, 2023 has proven to be a more resilient year for the housing sector than initially anticipated.

Rightmove noted that while asking prices have moderated from the peak levels observed during the pandemic, they are only 3% lower than May’s high point. This modest decline, coupled with a consistent influx of new properties onto the market, suggests that forced sales remain uncommon, providing a glimmer of stability in an ever-changing market.

Sales Volume Declines

In September, the UK saw a 17% decrease in the volume of home sales compared to the same month in 2022, based on data from HM Revenue & Customs.

Experts in the housing market suggested that potential buyers have been holding off to observe the evolving economic situation.

Throughout the UK, approximately 85,610 home sales occurred in September 2023, marking a 1% decline from August.

In the current financial year (from April to September), an estimated 507,670 home sales were recorded. This figure is notably lower than the 632,520 home sales during the same period the previous year. It is also lower than the 782,420 transactions from April to September 2021.

Mortgage rates have risen in response to a series of base rate increases by the Bank of England, but there have been indications of fixed rates showing a slight decline due to expectations regarding inflation.

Although robust wage growth may support some transactions, households are still facing financial pressure from rising expenses.

Iain McKenzie, the CEO of the Guild of Property Professionals, noted, “While there are indications of economic recovery, many households are still unable to afford home purchases in the current environment. Budgets are tight, and some may have had to dip into their savings for a down payment due to the cost-of-living challenges.”

Charlotte Nixon, a mortgage expert at wealth manager Quilter, warned that if the number of property transactions continues to decline, “prices will also decrease.”

Joshua Elash, the director of property lender MT Finance, added, “Prospective homeowners continue to be deterred by the uncertain market conditions and a higher interest rate environment.”

Can the UK Government Stop a House Price Crash?

The prospect of a house price crash in the UK raises concerns not only for homeowners but also for various industries that rely on a vibrant property market. According  to Heather Powell, head of property and a partner at the tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, there’s a need for government intervention to prevent further price declines and safeguard the market.

Powell emphasizes the importance of implementing schemes to reinvigorate the property market, stating, “The continuing decline in residential property sales highlights the sluggish pace of recovery for industries tied to a healthy property market. The government must take action promptly to reenergize this essential aspect of the UK economy.”

She advocates for a regime that encourages first-time buyers without inflating property prices. She suggests that incentives like ‘Help to Buy,’ tailored to regional price ceilings, could be beneficial. Such measures can unlock the capital generated by a thriving property market, contributing to the broader economic recovery.

What Is The Help to Buy Scheme?

The ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, initiated in 2013 to aid aspiring homeowners, ceased accepting new applicants in October 2022 and is yet to be replaced by the government.

Powell also highlights the ripple effect of the property downturn, affecting industries beyond homeowners.

Estate agents, removal companies, decorators, carpet and furniture stores, and many other businesses dependent on the property market have witnessed declining sales in 2023. Their forecasts for the next six months remain bleak. And this raises concerns about the impact on tax revenues and government funds.

Property sales figures for the year ending July 31, 2023, show a significant drop compared to the preceding years. This situation not only affects households but also impedes the overall recovery of the UK economy.

The issue extends to the difficulty homeowners face in selling their properties and starting anew due to limited demand. First-time buyers also struggle to accumulate sufficient deposits, leaving a void in the market.

In summary, the potential for a house price crash in the UK is a multifaceted challenge with broader economic implications. Government intervention and carefully designed schemes are crucial to address the issue and protect both homeowners and the industries connected to the property market.

When Will UK Interest Rates Stop Rising?

The Bank of England‘s recent moves on interest rates have been closely monitored, with forecasts suggesting a significant reduction in the base rate to approximately 3% by late 2025. This would mark a substantial decline from the current 5.25%. But it still represents a rise-and-fall pattern of interest rates that could be likened to a rocket and a feather.

Since December 2021, the Bank of England has consistently increased the base rate over 14 consecutive adjustments. Market expectations regarding where the base rate will ultimately peak have been ever-shifting, influenced by incoming economic data and factors such as inflation, wage growth, and unemployment.

UK interest rates
BoE interest rates increased after the pandemic

Currently, market sentiment suggests that the base rate may have reached its peak at 5.25%. However, Paul Dales, Chief UK Economist at Capital Economics, presents three reasons for cautious optimism.

First, anticipated Ofgem utility price cap reductions and other positive factors could push CPI inflation down to about 4.6% in October. Second, the service CPI inflation rebound is considered temporary. Third, slowing average earnings growth suggests wage growth, a key domestic price pressure indicator, may have peaked.

Nevertheless, Dales cautions that the UK’s inflation issue is unlikely to resolve swiftly. The labor market’s relaxation has been gradual, and high inflation expectations persist. Consequently, the decrease in core inflation and wage growth is expected to be gradual rather than sudden.

While it is doubtful that the Bank of England will further increase interest rates, it might not be in a position to reduce interest rates until late in 2024.

Would a Stamp Duty Cut Keep Property Prices Rising?

The property market, especially in the United Kingdom, has been a subject of intense interest and debate in recent years. The interplay of various factors, including demand, supply, and government policies, greatly influences property prices. One such policy that has been considered a powerful lever in influencing property market dynamics is the stamp duty.

Stamp duty is a variable tax on UK property purchases. Governments have occasionally introduced temporary reductions or exemptions in response to economic challenges or to boost the property market. The question that often arises is whether such cuts can effectively keep property prices on an upward trajectory.

To understand this, it’s essential to consider the dynamics at play:

Demand and Affordability

Reducing or exempting stamp duty can make properties more affordable, particularly for first-time buyers and those looking to move up the property ladder. This can increase demand, putting upward pressure on prices, especially in the lower to middle segments of the market.

Market Sentiment

Positive news of a stamp duty cut can boost market sentiment, leading to increased buyer confidence. This sentiment can translate into a flurry of property transactions, further stimulating price growth.

Regional Variances

Property markets in the UK vary by region, and the impact of a stamp duty cut can differ significantly. In regions where affordability is a key issue, a cut can be more influential in driving up prices.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects

Stamp duty cuts often have a more pronounced effect in the short term, creating a surge in transactions. Whether this leads to a sustained increase in property prices in the long term depends on various factors, including economic stability, job growth, and housing supply.

Fiscal Policy

The effectiveness of stamp duty cuts in sustaining price growth can also depend on broader fiscal policies and economic conditions. An isolated tax cut may not be enough to counteract the impact of a broader economic downturn.

It’s worth noting that while a stamp duty cut can influence property prices, it is not a standalone solution. Property markets are multifaceted, and their trajectories are influenced by various internal and external factors. Additionally, stamp duty cuts can have implications for government revenues, which may affect funding for public services.

In conclusion, a stamp duty cut can certainly provide a short-term boost to property prices and market activity, particularly in regions where affordability is a concern. However, its ability to keep property prices rising over the long term depends on a complex interplay of factors. Sustainable price growth typically requires a supportive economic environment, adequate housing supply, and measures to address broader affordability issues.

Analysts View

Sarah Coles, Senior Personal Finance Analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown , highlighted the potential risks associated with stimulating housing market demand through measures like stamp duty cuts.

Coles points out that such incentives could drive up house prices. This may happen especially in a market already grappling with tight housing supply and increasing mortgage payments due to rising interest rates. She draws parallels with past experiences, where stamp duty holidays effectively boosted demand, potentially leading to price increases.

Coles highlights that tax cuts, though generally favored by buyers, won’t solve the current property market challenges.

To address these issues effectively, a comprehensive approach is needed. Simply boosting demand without addressing supply constraints may lead to more buyers vying for limited housing stock, potentially driving prices up. This phenomenon was observed during the stamp duty holiday prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Richard Fearon, Chief Executive of Leeds Building Society , echoed the concern about the consequences of using tax cuts to boost demand. He suggests that a more sustainable solution lies in investing in building an adequate supply of houses, rather than relying on widespread stamp duty reductions. Fearon argues that such tax-driven strategies may inflate house prices, exacerbating the challenges faced by first-time buyers.

He pointed out that governments have historically favored quick-fix demand-boosting measures over addressing the structural issues within the housing market. The focus should be on ensuring a balanced supply of properties to achieve more lasting and equitable growth.

In summary, the experts raised concerns about the potential pitfalls of demand-stimulating measures like stamp duty cuts. They stress the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both supply and demand issues within the property market to promote sustainable growth.

Where Will There Be a UK House Price Crash?

This year, house price declines initially hit the South of England. But,now, higher interest rates are affecting other regions too. In the current landscape, house prices are experiencing declines in all areas of England. The East of England and the South East have witnessed the most significant price falls over the past year, registering -2.4% and -2.2%, respectively. The North East Yorkshire and the Humber are marginally in negative growth at -0.1%.

UK house prices forecast
How will UK house prices perform?

In a notable shift, house prices in Wales have recorded an annual decrease of 0.2% for the first time. They increased by 0.1% just in the previous month. In Cardiff, house prices have seen a year-on-year decline of 0.2%, matching the rate observed in the preceding month.

Among major UK cities, Bournemouth, Cambridge, and Southampton have experienced the most substantial house price drops, with declines of -2.6%, -2.3%, and -2.0%, respectively.

FAQs 

What impact do interest rates have on UK house prices?

Affordability, mortgage costs, investment costs, consumer confidence, marke liquidity, investor behavior, economic conditions and general debt levels are all factors affected by interest rates and that, in turn, affect house markets. Interest rates directly affect affordability and the cost of borrowing, influencing demand and market liquidity. Additionally, interest rates indirectly influence consumer confidence, investor behavior, and overall economic conditions, all of which can contribute to fluctuations in property prices.

Will UK house prices fall in 2024?

By the end of 2023, house prices are expected to have fallen by 5% over the course of the year, with a further anticipated decrease of 2.4% in 2024, according to a Lloyds Banking forecast. These projections suggest a total 11% decline in property prices from their peak in the previous year. Santander, another major financial institution, is predicting a larger drop in UK house prices for the entirety of 2023, estimating a decline of approximately 7%, followed by a more modest 2% fall in 2024.

When was the last property price crash?

The last UK property price crash was during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008-2009, when the average prices in the UK fell by 15.6% between February 2008 and February 2009.

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