UK House Prices fall at a rate not seen since 1990 by C Borthwick

House prices have now fallen for ten months consecutively, dropping by 10.3 per cent since the beginning of this year.

The average property price now stands at 164,654 after having almost 20,000 wiped off its value. In the last year property values have dropped by 10.5 per cent, the first time there has been a double digit drop since 1990. There has also been a month on month increase in the rate at which homes are losing value. In June 0.9 per cent, July it was 1.5 per cent and in August it had jumped to 1.9 per cent.

However if you take a look at quarter statistics it shows the market has eased a little. August stood at 4.5 per cent, down a fraction from 4.6 per cent.

Interpreting the information the Bank of England has released on inflation and for growth would indicate more base rate cuts are on the way which would certainly ease mortgage payments worries of thousands of homeowners and should kick start the market again in terms of interest from buyers and mortgage lenders returning to the market.

Data supplied from estate agents has suggested buyers are returning to the market possibly interested in the result property prise falls and those opportunist buyers who try to negotiate big discounts.

Fixed rate mortgages are now in more demand, 40 per cent higher than last year were now more likely to take a fixed rate deal over a tracker mortgage as buyers are concerned about the unstable markets could see their mortgage repayments shoot up again and therefore prefer to limit their risk.

As the mortgage markets falling prices are predicted to stop falling in 2009 and then start a period of growth in 2010/2011, a two or three year fixed rate mortgage will be perfect for buyers looking to protect their repayments until the market are again at a competitive level were buyers are paying fair rates for a mortgage.

As more lenders are returning to the market and fixed rates are now at a similar level to this time last year it is worth searching the market to see what rates are available to you whether you are looking to get your first property or are looking to remortgage . You could save yourself hundreds of pounds a year or more depending on when you starting your current mortgage. Try a mortgage broker who can search the whole market to find the best deal for you.

Chris has a passion for motor racing and loves to write about money matters.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/UK-House-Prices-fall-at-a-rate-not-seen-since-1990/378623