This means that house prices are virtually unchanged compared to September 2008. But while this turnaround in fortunes is encouraging, with prices recovering far quicker than anticipated, it does not necessarily mean that prices will continue their upwards trajectory.
Very low levels of housing stock are supporting prices at this level. Once more properties become available, this will ease demand and consequently prices will soften. Mortgage finance is still difficult to come by and high loan-to-values mean first-time buyers - much needed to get the market operating properly once again - are finding it extremely difficult to get on the property ladder.