Northern Ireland leads the way on house price growth

Northern Ireland’s house price growth is currently outstripping other countries in the UK, Office for National Statistics figures show.

Prices in Northern Ireland increased by 4% in the year to September, outstripping Wales (2.6%), Scotland (2.4%) and England (1%).

Across the UK on average prices rose by 1.3% annually to £234,370, though they fell by 0.2% between August and September.

David Westgate, group chief 3xecutive at Andrews Property Group, said: “The property market is holding up surprisingly well given the exacting political climate we find ourselves in.

“What’s certain is that the result of the December General Election is likely to have a significant impact on where prices go next.

“A decisive win for Boris Johnson could see the market rebound sharply, but more political deadlock could see it continue to drift along in its current rut.”

The East Midlands saw the biggest slowdown in England, falling by -1.2%.

Other areas to record falls were the East of England (-0.4%), West Midlands (0.4%), North West (-0.3%), Yorkshire and the Humber (-0.1%), and London (-0.1%).