London property prices rise for the first time in 12 months
30/04/2009
Amidst continuing dismal property results in the UK, there are some positive price growth figures emerging in select locations, including London.
House prices in prime, centrally located London postcodes rose in April for the first time since March 2008, according to the Knight Frank Prime Central London Index, which went up 0.4%. The news comes as Hometrack, another property data provider, said houses prices in England and Wales fell 0.3%.
Like elsewhere in the US and now Australia, the UK market has been hit by unemployment and decreased lending by the banks. Over the past twelve months, Knight Frank says property values in prime central London have dropped 22.6%, whereas Hometrack's data shows the broader England and Wales market decreased at 10.1%.
Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, warns that while it is good news for the property market to see some positive growth, one good month shouldn't be taken as a sign of anything to come yet.
"Don't read too much into one month's figures," he said. "Nevertheless, house price growth of 0.4% in central London's exclusive postcodes reflects a growing trend towards stronger market conditions which has been developed since the turn of the year."
Bailey said much of the price growth has come in the lower (sub 1m pounds) range, rather than the more expensive properties on offer. Buyers seem to be coming back to the market, as sales volumes have risen by 28% on a year-on-year basis, according to Knight Frank. But that could be held back by fewer sellers, hoping to wait rather than accept a loss.
"Recently we have seen a change of attitude in buyers, wit them losing the fear factor about prices falling considerably further and this has resulted in us agreeing more sales in last six weeks than in the previous six months," says James Pace, head of Knight Frank Chelsea.
False claim number 13: ‘Fundamental supply and demand, population growth etc. is irrelevant. Availability of credit is the only factor responsible for house price growth.’
In 2007, house prices in Melbourne rose by over 20 per cent while prices in Sydney rose by only 8 per cent. Did Melbourne have twice the amount of credit available? No. Prices were driven by supply and demand, not availability of credit. Credit is equally available throughout Australia, but house prices do not rise by equal amounts in each city.
Most of shadow's arguments have been pretty well argued against in other forums with valid points, so I'm sure it will be deja vu reading any replies.
His belief over population growth (looking at the now, rather than longer periods), is not a constant variable, nor is there any real reason this can't change. Plus also the entire part endless migrants coming to Australia is also a little tenuous in a recession and demand for labour being less. I am sure if you looked at the UK 3 years ago migration growth looked strong and their wages looked high.
Rental vacancies again, you can argue that. I've never experienced a problem finding rentals. I can see multiple listings in any suburb I could care to name. Maybe the price is a little high for some, but that doesn't mean there is no vacancies. I don't believe there is any rental shortage, other than being told by home owners and the housing industry (not renters I know!).
Australians are more prone to interest rate policy than the UK/US/others as we have a very high percentage now on variable rates. Monetary changes more quickly flow through to our market. Yes this is a positive.
He claims the US and UK are more heavily based around the finance industry...we are heavily based around the resource industry. Both can suffer heavily in a global downturn. Look at Russia for instance (oil instead of dirt). This doesn't really indicate we're any safer.
Anyhow, while he does use data to support his claims, I think most of it can be argued against. I hope somebody has the hours to write together a good response, like he obviously has spent.
just like all the points put forward by the those who cannot afford property,
and guess what, prices still high in the sky man
Over inflated housing prices is not my definition of paradise, a decent return on my investment dollar is.paradise
kingbrown...you are a bit late...thats already been posted on the 'losing' thread
Well guys put this in the mix now !
Herald Sun here in Melb saying its REIV data
Victorian house prices suffer biggest drop in 40 years
After falling around 30% in the previous quarter St Kilda is down 1.5% yoy.hello,
looking forward to that flyer Burnsie i hope it has st kilda up 4% for q1 09 REIV stats
and looks like my inheritance is doing well with Mt Martha up 14% for q1 09 REIV stats
paradise
thankyou
robots
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