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Builders and building materials

UK house prices in surprise rise in October, reports Halifax

UK house prices rose in October, ending a streak of six successive monthly falls, amid a shortage of properties, according to mortgage lender Halifax.

The average house price increased 1.1% in October from September, compared to a monthly fall of 0.3% in September.

On an annual basis, prices were 3.2% lower, easing from September's 4.5% decrease.

Halifax Mortgages Director Kim Kinnaird said: "Prospective sellers appear to be taking a cautious attitude, leading to a low supply of homes for sale.

"This is likely to have strengthened prices in the short-term, rather than prices being driven by buyer demand, which remains weak overall."

But she expects house prices to fall further overall – with a return to growth from 2025.

"The current picture should continue to be seen in the context of the longer-term house price trend as, on average, prices remain around £40,000 above pre-pandemic levels," she said.