Results for Q3 2018:
· The Knight Frank Global House Price Index increased by 4.9% in the year to September 2018. That is its lowest rate of annual growth for two years.
· Hong Kong leads the rankings for annual growth in the year to September 2018 but it may relinquish this top spot in the coming months. The Hang Seng Index, which in the past has acted as a lead indicator for the property market, recently slipped 12%, and add to this global trade disputes, a strengthening currency and the proposed vacancy tax for developers, we expect price to soften in 2019.
· Only eight of the 57 markets tracked registered falling prices over the 12 months to September 2018
· The US registered its slowest annual growth since the final quarter of 2016. Higher mortgage rates on the back of eight rate rises since late 2015 has led to affordability constraints.