UK house prices dip as Iran conflict hits buyer demand
British house prices fell 0.1% in April as the war in Iran increased economic uncertainty and pushed up borrowing costs. Halifax data shows annual growth slowed to 0.4% while markets price in further interest rate hikes to combat rising inflation.
United Kingdom house prices fell 0.1% in April as geopolitical conflict in Iran dampened buyer demand. This marks the second consecutive monthly decline, bringing annual price growth to its lowest level since December. Economists had predicted 0.6% annual growth, but actual annual price growth came in at just 0.4%—a meaningful miss that signals weakening momentum in the property market.
### Energy Costs and Interest Rate Pressure Higher energy prices linked to the war have shifted inflation expectations and the projected path for interest rates. Halifax head of mortgages Amanda Bryden said these global developments added uncertainty to the market after a strong start to the year.
