House sales unlikely to improve

The past quarter brought no evidence of a stronger economic recovery, an easing in credit conditions or any resolution to the euro-zone crisis.

The economic research consultancy said that signs of a renewed tightening in credit conditions in recent months suggest that the pace of house price falls could soon accelerate.

The consultancy said: “Our forecast is for house prices to fall by 5% in both 2012 and 2013 and by 3% in 2014. There is a risk that a London-centric shock, such as a disorderly break-up of the euro-zone, could trigger sharper house price falls.”