Predictions for London house sales in 2012

London house prices predicted to be ‘best in show’ in the New Year, with low interest rates underpinning demand.

The London house market is expected to outperform the rest of the UK according to predictions by some of the leading house market indices and economic forecasters.

• Halifax predicts there will be little change to house prices in 2012, with prices remaining broadly stable. It says that markets will remain strongest in London and the South East, with conditions further north continuing to be difficult.  The lender expects exceptionally low interest rates to support the market over the coming 12 months.
• The Centre for Economics and Business Research expects a slow increase in house prices. It predicts  a 1.6% rise in prices next year, accelerating to a 15% increase to prices over the next five years.
• The Council of Mortgage Lenders forecasts a slight dip in mortgage lending, falling from £138 billion t his year to £133 billion next year.
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is upbeat saying that a growing numbers of surveyors have been reporting new buyer enquiries for three months in a row, which bodes well for the sales market in 2012.