The Centre for Economics and Business Research has predicted that average house prices will reach the “significant milestone" of £223,000 by 2014, around 0.7% higher than in 2007 and a figure which would mark the first time prices have surpassed the peak seen prior to the economic downturn.
The CEBR says that the typical home will also be worth £261,000 in five years, which would mark an increase of around a fifth compared to current levels.
Helen Hutchison, a legal expert based in Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, said: “Towards the end of 2012 there were a number of surveys and reports which indicated that the market is slowly improving.
“The likes of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and respected industry sites such as Rightmove predicted that 2013 would be the year that conditions turn in the general property market, as well as in relation to buy-to-let and high-value homes – and this CEBR research is another huge sign that confidence is on the rise.
“It has been several years since the economic downturn kicked in, but the improvements are clearly striking a chord with property owners who are thinking about their options as prices rise.
“This, in conjunction with greater mortgage availability, may help get the market moving once again after several difficult years.”
