London Removal, a leading office and home removal company, have shared their thoughts on predictions from mortgage lender Halifax who have predicted up to a 5% rise in house prices in 2015.

Halifax, the biggest mortgage lender in the UK, believes that with a general election around the corner, house prices in 2015 will increase by 3-5%, down from the 10% seen in 2014.

Nationwide also recently reported that mortgage lending had fallen by 36% in the 6 months up to September, falling from £5.6bn as recorded a year ago to £3.6bn today. The change is a result of increased competition combined with a housing market cooling, says Nationwide.

Martin Ellis, Housing economist at Halifax, explained: “The fortunes of the housing market are closely tied to developments in the wider economy. The strengthening in the UK economy has contributed to higher housing demand over the past 18-24 months. There has been an increase in the number of buyers, fuelled by rising confidence and the improved cost and availability of credit.

“Housing demand should be supported by continuing economic recovery, growth in employment and still low mortgage rates. Average earnings also appear set to rise more quickly than inflation next year, with the first gain in ‘real’ earnings for several years stimulating demand. Overall, house prices nationally are expected to increase in a range of 3-5% in 2015.”

Regularly commenting on relevant news, research and views, London Removal believes the increase in buyers is good for the removals sector but says sellers are trailing.

A representative for London Removal said: “The number of buyers on the market has gone up a lot recently and that’s always good news for us and other companies in the removal sector because it means there’s plenty of people out there requiring removal services, the problem is that the number of sellers hasn’t caught up with buyers, so while there’s no shortage of prospective first time buyers out there, the number of people selling isn’t all that high for the time being.

“In spite of this, we’ve been involved in a lot of moves this year, especially helping people to settle into new builds, and we expect that to continue throughout 2015 if current housing trends continue.”

London Removal specialises in home and office removals, storage services and packing materials. They’re experienced, fast, insured and friendly. If you’re planning a house or business move and you need help moving your things, visit www.london-removal.co.uk.