U.K. December House Prices Rise by 1.7%: Halifax

The video discusses the UK's strong economic performance towards the end of the year, driven by a rebound in consumer and business confidence post-EU referendum. This has led to increased housing demand and rising house prices, despite tight supply conditions. Predictions for 2017 suggest a slowdown in house price growth and continued reluctance in property transactions due to high costs and uncertainty. The potential impact of rising interest rates on affordability is also explored, with expectations of a gradual increase allowing borrowers time to adjust.

What was one of the main factors that led to the increase in house prices towards the end of the year?

• A decrease in interest rates

• An increase in housing supply

• A rise in unemployment rates

• A recovery in consumer and business confidence

What is a significant issue affecting the housing market according to the transcript?

• Excessive housing supply

• High levels of new home construction

• Low demand for housing

• A strong demand-supply imbalance

What is expected to happen to house price growth during 2017?

• It will slow down

• It will remain stable

• It will accelerate rapidly

• It will decrease significantly

Why are people reluctant to sell their homes, according to the transcript?

• Unfavorable weather conditions

• Lack of interest from buyers

• High transaction costs

• Low property prices

How are interest rates expected to change, and what impact will this have?

• They will rise quickly, making mortgages unaffordable

• They will remain unchanged, keeping the market stable

• They will decrease, boosting the housing market

• They will rise slowly, allowing borrowers to adjust