Halifax says house prices dipped by 0.2% in December while annual price growth slowed to 3.3%
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.
UK house prices finished 2024 up 3.3% over the year, with the average property value falling slightly in December, according to a major mortgage lender.
December 2024 was one of the busiest Decembers in years in terms of buyer demand. This was driven by first-time buyers who were keen to get on the property ladder before this year’s changes to Stamp Duty but also by second-steppers, including young families, wanting to upsize.
We believe that UK growth is likely to slow, as employer tax increases, and their potential impact on prices and employment, begin to filter through into the economy.
8.30am GMT: Eurozone, France, Germany, Italy HCOB Construction PMI for December
9am GMT: Italy Unemployment rate for November (previous: 5.8%)
10am GMT: Eurozone inflation for December flash (previous: 2.2%, forecast: 2.4%)
10am GMT: Eurozone unemployment rate for November (previous: 6.3%)
1.30pm GMT: US Trade for November
3pm GMT: US ISM Services PMI for December
3pm GMT: US JOLTs Job Openings for November
Continue reading...
