House prices jump 10.9% as 'race for space' intensifies

PA Media

UK house prices soared 10.9% in the year to May, the highest level in seven years, according to the Nationwide.

The average house price has risen to £242,832, up £23,930 over the past twelve months.

Buyers are in a "race for space" as they seek larger homes and properties with gardens, Nationwide said.

"The market has seen a complete turnaround over the past twelve months," said Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist.

A year ago, activity collapsed in the wake of the first lockdown with housing transactions falling to a record low of 42,000 in April 2020, he said.

"But activity surged towards the end of last year and into 2021, reaching a record high of 183,000 in March," Mr Gardner said.

He added that the extension of the stamp duty holiday from its original end date of March helped to maintain momentum in the market, but it is not the key factor pushing up prices now.

"It is shifting housing preferences which is continuing to drive activity, with people reassessing their needs in the wake of the pandemic," he said.

According to the building society's research, there's "a race for space" with people moving to access a garden or outdoor space more easily. "The majority of people are looking to move to less urban areas," Mr Gardner said.

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June 01, 2021 at 06:44PM

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57313700