House price growth slows to just 1.1%, according to Nationwide

The average home has tumbled almost £15,500 in value since house prices hit a peak in late summer, according to Britain’s biggest building society.

The average house now costs £258,297, 5.6 per cent less than the £273,751 recorded in August, but property values remain 12.4 per cent higher than two years ago, according to Nationwide’s latest house price index. 

The fall in house prices since summer has come as difficult economic conditions and higher mortgage rates weigh on the market. 

But Nationwide said annual property inflation is still just in positive territory, with house prices rising 1.1 per cent in the year to January  

 The average house now costs £258,297, according to the Nationwide index

Annual house price inflation dropped again last month, falling from 2.8 per cent in December. The dramatic slowdown in the property market has come after mortgage rates spiralled in the wake of Kwasi Kwarteng’s calamitous mini-Budget in September. 

Fixed mortgage rates have since fallen from their peak but with the bank of England continuing to raise base rate they remain far higher than a year ago,

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said: ‘There are some encouraging signs that mortgage rates are normalising, but it is too early to tell whether activity in the housing market has started to recover. 

‘The fall in house purchase approvals in December reported by the Bank of England largely reflects the sharp decline in mortgage applications following the mini-Budget.’

In total 35,600 mortgages were approved in December, the lowest level since May 2020.

The average interest rate paid on new mortgages in December also increased by 0.32 per cent, to 3.67 per cent, marking the largest monthly jump since December 2021, when the Bank of England began hiking its base rate.

The typical two-year fixed rate mortgage has fallen from a peak of 6.65 per cent in October to 5.45 per cent on 31 January, according to Moneyfacts.

Five-year fixes followed a similar trajectory, having fallen from a peak of 6.51 per cent in October to 5.2 per cent today.

And, in further good news for borrowers, lenders have begun engaging in what brokers are labelling a ‘price war’. 

Major lenders including Halifax, Santander and Barclays have all reduced their fixed mortgage rates over the past two weeks.

House price growth has begun to stall with price rising just 1.1% over the year to Jan 2023

House price growth has begun to stall with price rising just 1.1% over the year to Jan 2023

However, Nationwide’s Gardner warned that the rise in rates has hit affordability as potential buyers assess whether they can afford the cost of servicing a mortgage at current rates.

He said: ‘Should recent reductions in mortgage rates continue, this should help improve the affordability position for potential buyers, albeit modestly, as will solid rates of income growth (wage growth is currently running at around 7 per cent in the private sector), especially if combined with weak or negative house price growth.’

 Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, added: ‘The affordability factor is the biggest concern for buyers right now, particularly those just starting on the property ladder. Mortgage rates went through the roof last year and shifted the goal posts for those saving for a deposit. It appears as though we are seeing some stability returning to the market.

‘The public can be assured that now is still a good time to buy if you are in a position to do so. You may even be able to save some money on the asking price.

However, Gardner also warned of tough economic times ahead.

Affordability: Nationwide estimates it would take first time buyers in London 15 years to save for a deposit comapred to around 5 years in Scotland

Affordability: Nationwide estimates it would take first time buyers in London 15 years to save for a deposit comapred to around 5 years in Scotland

He added: ‘It will be hard for the market to regain much momentum in the near term as economic headwinds are set to remain strong, with real earnings likely to fall further and the labour market widely projected to weaken as the economy shrinks.’

Regionally, affordability pressures are the most acute in London and the South of England while Scotland and the North of England remain the most afforable. 

In London it would take first time buyers 15 years on average to save for a deposit, while in Scotland it is around 6 years. 

What to do if you need a mortgage 

Borrowers who need to find a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is coming to an end, or because they have agreed a house purchase, should explore their options as soon as possible.

This is Money’s best mortgage rates calculator powered by L&C can show you deals that match your mortgage and property value

What if I need to remortgage? 

Borrowers should compare rates and speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act to secure a rate. 

Anyone with a fixed rate deal ending within the next six to nine months, should look into how much it would cost them to remortgage now – and consider locking into a new deal. 

Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added the loan and they are then only charged when it is taken out. By doing this, borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees.

What if I am buying a home? 

Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. 

Home buyers should beware overstretching themselves and be prepared for the possibility that house prices may fall from their current high levels, due to  higher mortgage rates limiting people’s borrowing ability.

How to compare mortgage costs 

The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a good broker.

You can use our best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs.

Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so the advice is that if you need a mortgage to compare rates and then speak to a broker as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.

> Check the best fixed rate mortgages you could apply for 

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