House prices fall 2.2% in December

House prices nationally declined by 5.2% in Quarter 4, according to the Halifax. This was similar to the decreases recorded in the two previous quarters (-5.6% in Quarter 3 and -5.1% in Quarter 2), suggesting that the underlying rate of decline may be stabilising.

House prices in December were 16.2% lower on an annual basis. The UK average price has returned to the level in August 2004 (£159,799).

The house price to earnings ratio – a key affordability measure - is at its lowest for five and a half years. The house price to average earnings ratio has decreased to an estimated 4.44 in December 2008 from a peak of 5.84 in July 2007. The ratio is at its lowest level for over five and a half years (April 2003: 4.44). The long-term average is 4.0.

Housing market activity shows signs of stabilising albeit at a low level. The number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase was broadly unchanged for the fourth successive month in October at a seasonally adjusted 32,000. Estate agents reported the first increase in newly agreed sales for 18 months in November and the first rise in new buyer enquiries since October 2006. (Sources: Bank of England and RICS).

Commenting, Martin Ellis, chief economist, said: "There was a 2.2% decline in average UK house prices in December. Continuing pressures on incomes and the negative impact of the dislocation of the financial markets on the availability of mortgage finance are expected to exert further downward pressure on the market over the coming months.

But a number of factors will help to support demand and should help to limit the downturn. Improving housing affordability and an easing in the pressure on the majority of households' finances should support market activity and prices. The house price to earnings ratio – a key affordability measure - is at its lowest for five and a half years."