Halifax confirms house price resilience

The lender found that UK house prices rose by 2 per cent in November, which pushes the annual rate of house price inflation up to 11.5 per cent and puts the standardised average house at £96,010.

Gary Styles, head of group economics at Halifax, said: "House prices rose by 2.0 per cent in November. While this was the largest monthly rise since September 2000, it mainly reflects a bounce back in confidence from the lows seen in the aftermath of the September terrorist attacks. As a result, the annual rate of house price inflation increased from 9.4 per cent in October to 11.5 per cent."

"House price movements over the last 3 months indicate a clear downward shift in the underlying trend, with prices increasing at a somewhat slower pace compared with earlier in the year. This is consistent with reports from estate agents and house-builders that show that the level of housing activity is slowing."

"Looking ahead, continuing economic growth, low interest rates and housing affordability levels that are not stretched should support the housing market. We expect house prices to continue rising over the coming 12 months, albeit at a more modest pace."