UK house prices flat in September at £298,441 with annual growth at 0.0%, Lloyds index shows

The Lloyds House Price Index (formerly Halifax), published on 7 October, shows average prices unchanged in September at £298,441 after a 0.3% fall in August, leaving annual growth at 0.0%, while Greater London fell 2.2% year on year, the South East 2.1% and Eastern England 1.6%. Lloyds links the subdued picture to higher mortgage rates driven by shifting expectations for Bank Rate, but says new buyer enquiries are at their highest since February. For sellers, particularly across London and the South East, a flat national market means pricing to today's evidence rather than last year's, as buyers have room to negotiate. For buyers, prices are not running away, though 6% average fixed rates mean stable prices do not yet translate into easier affordability.