House prices in Britain dropped for the first time after six months in December despite economic uncertainty and profit squeeze. On Monday, mortgage lender Halifax mentioned that prices were reduced by 0.6 percent on the month with an initial decline recorded in June. Also, the annual price gains had a dipped to 2.7 percent in the last quarter of the year versus 3.9 percent previously. According to Russell Galley, managing director at Halifax Community Bank, the house price had a lackluster growth while building activity, sales and mortgage approval for house purchase stayed flat. This happened due to squeeze on real-wage growth and resumption of risks within the economy. The United Kingdom’s housing market further cooled down in 2017 because of losing the economic growth momentum, particularly, London with a weak spot. Based on the report of the Nationwide Building Society published last week, prices estimate will hardly gain this current year and Halifax shares the same projection. The lack of supply will lead to an annual growth from 0 to 3 percent.
PAUTAN SEGERA