Inflation

The average amount of stamp duty paid on a UK home has grown at five times the rate of average salaries, significantly increasing the tax burden on homebuyers, according to Stroud & Swindon Building Society.

The IMF has warned the UK housing market could be about to enter a slump like that seen in the US.

Minutes from the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), released today, have raised hopes the Bank might cut interest rates in the new future.

With the recent pressures on lending, and interest rates showing little sign of falling, at least in the short-term, home buyers are finding it harder than ever to afford to purchase for the first time, or move.

The UK housing market is experiencing negative growth for the second successive month, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Less than one in fifteen home buyers recognise low interest rates and inflation as a key reasons for Britain's house price boom, according to research from Propertyfinder.com.

Stamp duty revenue from residential property sales has risen 40% in 2006/07, according to figures from HM Revenue and Customs.

House price growth remained steady at around 11% per year in August, according to Assetz composite house price index.

Most homeowners would not consider selling their property if house prices were to fall, and some would even consider buying more property, according to a report from the Building Societies Association (BSA).

A further rise in UK interest rates is possible this year if the risks of inflation remain on the upside, according to Abbey International.