We found some interesting research from housepriceforecast.co.uk, we are not saying that we think it is accurate, indeed it goes against what many analysts are saying, but it does provide a more detailed view of price changes by region.

 From the regular research we carry it is absolutely clear that house price recovery will vary widely across the UK. Some of the worst affected areas will be the West Midlands where the growth in unemployment is expected to have a profound effect on the local economy.

 However this research by on prices increases by region is quite interesting, not least because of the differences identified between houses and flats.  The boom in construction of recent years was focused more on flats as our previous posts have highlighted.  The growth in flats has effectively swamped some local markets so it is perhaps quite surprising to see areas within Surrey and Hants with strong growth forecasts specifically for “flats”. The other interesting point form this recent forecast is that Wales features amongst the highest for house and flat price growth.

 Overall this data provides for interesting reading however we would advise strong caution in focusing too much on the absolute numbers, no one can provide detailed forecasts with a high degree of confidence, but the trends are very interesting.

House prices forecasts (5 years to 2014) …

Houses:

Bagshot (Surrey): 44.5%
Dronfield (Derbys): 36%
Ellesmere Port (Ches): 33%
Ebbw Vale (Gwent) 50%
Liphook (Hants): 48%
Salford (Manchester): 32%
Shefford (Beds) 44%
York (Yorkshire) 35%

 
Flats & maisonettes:

Abergele (N Wales): 45%
Altrincham (Cheshire): 30%
Bagshot (Surrey) 49%
Gateshead (Tyne & W) 33%
Liphook (Hants): 48%