House prices show signs of a return to stability
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.EVIDENCE that the property market may be on the turn emerged today with a survey showing stability slowly returning to house prices.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said 65 per cent of its affiliated estate agents reported steady house prices over the past three months.
But while many buyers are taking advantage of cheap new home loans, the institution warned it was too early to talk of a general recovery in the market. Job insecurity and a belief that house prices may fall further were deterring potential buyers.
But a revival in activity which began at Christmas continued throughout January. First-time buyers were particularly active.
The market is still extremely price-sensitive, and the institute warned sellers that 'realistic' prices were essential to aid recovery. It asked the Government to help by doubling both the mortgage interest tax-relief ceiling and the stamp duty threshold to pounds 60,000 each.
Bryan Appleyard, page 25
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments