House prices fall as buyer slump continues

Figures from Nationwide Building Society show prices fell 0.2% month-on-month, the third fall in four months.

On an annual basis, price growth slowed to 2.4% from 2.6% in April.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “There are few signs of an imminent change. Surveyors continue to report subdued levels of new buyer enquiries, while the supply of properties on the market remains more of a trickle than a torrent.

“Looking further ahead, much will depend on how broader economic conditions evolve, especially in the labour market, but also with respect to interest rates.

“Subdued economic activity and ongoing pressure on household budgets is likely to continue to exert a modest drag on housing market activity and house price growth this year, though borrowing costs are likely to remain low.”

The average house price stood at £213,618 in May, slightly up from April’s £213,000.

Nationwide’s figures chime with official data that point to a slowing market, driven by London.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics shows British house prices slid in March, with the capital recording its weakest performance since 2009.

The statistics body said the decline in London can be linked to reforms to stamp duty and the Brexit vote, which has deterred foreign buyers and seen net migration to the city fall.

Howard Archer, chief economic adviser at EY Item Club, said: “Consumers have faced an extended serious squeeze on purchasing power, which is only gradually easing.”