House prices: Why the risks of a fall are higher than most people think
"The fact that house prices have been rising quickly over the last year makes the market more vulnerable to external shocks to the economy," says Professor Geoff Meen, as he warns "there are numerous conventional reasons to at least expect some slowdown in the growth of house prices."
What to read next
Economists predict ‘a slow recovery in activity, but a relatively benign outcome for house prices’
House prices are likely to fall by 7% as a result of Covid-19, predicts Oxford Economics - but the risks are "heavily skewed" towards much, much bigger price falls of almost 40%...
UK house prices likely to drop 13% this year as incomes tumble, predict economists
A looming "shortfall in incomes has a tremendous potential to disrupt the UK’s housing markets", warns the Centre for Economics & Business Research.
Brexit & Beyond: Where next for prime property prices?
Savills' Head of Residential Research Lucian Cook considers how the Brexit pendulum will swing, and takes comfort in the longer-term view
Most read
Luxury brokerage declares £1.3bn in H1 sales
Overseas buyers accounted for 52% of the UK agency's deals, while new instructions topped £2.3bn.
Cluttons appoints top market analyst to lead resi business
Well-known research chief and former journalist steps up to lead major agency's residential division.
Art Deco gem in Notting Hill sells in off-market deal
'Landmark' £16mn residence was once owned by legendary soul singer Dusty Springfield.
Financial Times: Is Rightmove taking us for a ride?
Influential journalist Jonathan Guthrie investigates the property portal's dominance, fees & standing in the industry.
Deals & Data: London’s £15mn+ market rebounds in blockbuster first half
Record-breaking sales, resurgent international demand and a surprise winner among the capital's super-prime neighbourhoods - but buyers are still calling the shots.
Lucian Cook: Tax speculation returns but all of the complexities remain
Despite much chatter, 'the matter of whether [Andy Burnham] would pursue a substantial overhaul of property taxation remains one of conjecture,' counsels the Savills research chief.
Major agency reports ‘more uneven’ trading as uncertainty weighs on confidence
Winkworth says H1 sales remained resilient while lettings were largely unaffected by the Renters' Rights Act.
Prime London Property Market Snapshot: Week 28, 2026
Fresh LonRes data indicates another week of relatively slow sales activity.
Foxtons warns of sharp profit drop; prepares for ‘a prolonged lower transaction volume environment’
Estate agency says 'trading has been adversely impacted by the prolonged downturn in the sales market, as well as short-term volatility in the lettings market.'
Branded residence boom hits new heights as $200mn Aman penthouse finds buyer
Unfinished Beverly Hills residence is reportedly under offer at more than five times LA's current condo sales record.
LATEST ARTICLES
Knight Frank launches ‘second phase’ of broker recruitment drive
The big-brand estate agency has received 130 enquiries from would-be self-employed brokers so far, with eight being appointed in the last eight weeks.
Prime vendors lose confidence as buyers turn ‘more selective, more price sensitive & more willing to wait’
88% of Savills' London agents report weaker seller sentiment, rising to 94% in the country, but the market is far from frozen.
Arada assembles team for £2.5bn East London scheme
UAE developer moves ahead with plans to rework the capital's longest stretch of undeveloped riverfront and install new DLR station.
Navigating SDLT Surcharge: What happens when foreign entities are involved?
Overseas property held through companies or other structures can have unexpected consequences for UK purchases - lawyer Will Timbrell explains where buyers and advisers need to tread carefully.
Harding Green recruits Lettings Ops Director
LCP Private Office's former lettings head joins broker-model property agency.