House price growth cooled slightly in October, the Nationwide has said, but the underlying trend "remains firm".
House price growth cooled slightly in October, the Nationwide has said, but the underlying trend "remains firm".
It found that UK house prices rose by an average 0.7% last month, compared with a 1.3% increase in September.
It found that UK house prices rose by an average 0.7% last month, compared with a 1.3% increase in September.
However, the latest three-monthly trend showed prices up 2.6% compared with the previous quarter - the fastest pace since September 2004.
However, the latest three-monthly trend showed prices up 2.6% compared with the previous quarter - the fastest pace since September 2004.
The annual rate of increase dipped to 8% from 8.2% the month before. The average UK home now costs £169,623.
The annual rate of increase dipped to 8% from 8.2% the month before. The average UK home now costs £169,623.
Slowing approvals?
Slowing approvals?
Fionnuala Earley, Nationwide's group economist, said that the housing market was looking firm, with little sign that the recent interest rate had curbed demand.
Fionnuala Earley, Nationwide's group economist, said that the housing market was looking firm, with little sign that the recent interest rate had curbed demand.
But she added that many fewer estate agents were reporting an increase new buyer enquiries and net sales in September.
But she added that many fewer estate agents were reporting an increase new buyer enquiries and net sales in September.
"While the relationship between these and house purchase approvals is far from perfect, it could suggest that we will see some slowing in approvals in the next few months," she said.
"While the relationship between these and house purchase approvals is far from perfect, it could suggest that we will see some slowing in approvals in the next few months," she said.
Bank of England data earlier this week showed that mortgage approvals - an indicator of future demand - have risen to their highest level since February 2004.
Bank of England data earlier this week showed that mortgage approvals - an indicator of future demand - have risen to their highest level since February 2004.
However, future mortgage lending could be hit by next month's widely expected rise in interest rates.
However, future mortgage lending could be hit by next month's widely expected rise in interest rates.
Analysts predict the Bank of England will increase rates from 4.75% to 5% in November.
Analysts predict the Bank of England will increase rates from 4.75% to 5% in November.
Registry survey
Registry survey
Meanwhile, a new monthly survey from the government's Land Registry supported the view of a buoyant UK housing market.
Meanwhile, a new monthly survey from the government's Land Registry supported the view of a buoyant UK housing market.
During the month of September - the Registry survey has a time lag, as it is based on completed sales - prices grew by 1.3% on average.
During the month of September - the Registry survey has a time lag, as it is based on completed sales - prices grew by 1.3% on average.
This compares to 0.4% growth in the same month last year.
This compares to 0.4% growth in the same month last year.
Year-on-year average house prices are 6.3% higher.
Year-on-year average house prices are 6.3% higher.
New method
New method
The new monthly Land Registry survey uses a unique methodology.
The new monthly Land Registry survey uses a unique methodology.
For the purposes of the survey, the Registry only tracks properties that have been sold on more than one occasion since 2000.
For the purposes of the survey, the Registry only tracks properties that have been sold on more than one occasion since 2000.
According to the Registry by using repeat transactions, differences in the quality of the homes comprised in any monthly sample are reduced.
According to the Registry by using repeat transactions, differences in the quality of the homes comprised in any monthly sample are reduced.
This ensures an "apples to apples" comparison, the Registry added.
This ensures an "apples to apples" comparison, the Registry added.
Are you finding it increasingly difficult to buy your own property? Send us your comments and experiences.
We are looking to interview the following house-buyers:
Shared ownership or key worker purchaser; individuals with high multiple mortgage; people buying with friends or receiving help from family. If you would be happy to be interviewed by a BBC journalist, please reply enclosing a contact phone number (this will not be published).
