Annual house price growth accelerates to 2.2%, led by Northern Ireland; analysts say housing market remains weak, but falling mortgage rates pave way for recovery Back to house prices. Jonathan Hoppe r, chief executive of Garrington Property Finders, said: The dust is settling but that doesn’t mean it’s back to business as usual. Nationwide’s data shows that at a national level, prices flatlined between May and June.

The regional data reveals which areas have got back into their stride and which have not. While mortgage interest rates have eased in recent weeks, and there are encouraging signs that they may tick down further in coming months, the extra cost of borrowing is still a barrier for mortgage-dependent buyers. The abundance of choice and lower purchase prices is finally tempting cautious buyers back to the market, but the road back to normality will be long and the prospect of major property tax changes under Britain’s latest prime minister is a dark cloud for a market still craving clarity and confidence.

Passengers have already been forced to queue for extended periods outside terminal buildings and on exposed aprons because border control facilities cannot process arrivals quickly enough. Airlines face half-empty planes at gate closing time, while passengers are stuck in border control queues.” Continue reading...