Released on = May 4, 2007, 4:16 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Recently released figures show house price growth is
continuing, but uncertainty still surrounds the future of the property market, says
National Homebuyers.


Press Release Body =
While the Halifax House Price Index reveals all UK towns included in the survey have
average house prices in excess of £100,000 for the first time, Martin Ellis,
Halifax\'s chief economist, believes recent interest rate rises are starting to
impact on house price growth.

\"House prices continue to rise in a tight market but there are emerging signs that
pressure on householders\' finances, partly due to the rise in interest rates since
last August, is dampening housing demand,\" Mr Ellis said.

\"Overall, house prices increased by 2.8 per cent in [the first three months of]
2007, well below the 4.2 per cent rise in [the last quarter of] 2006. There is also
evidence of reduced market activity.\"

\"We expect the higher level of interest rates, negative real earnings growth and
above inflation council tax bill increases to lead to slower house price growth over
the coming months.\"

It is expected that interest rates will be further raised by the Bank of England\'s
monetary policy committee in its next meeting, scheduled for early May.


Web Site = http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk/newsarticle.asp?ID

Contact Details = Sterling House
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