Why house prices fall

[The Prophet]

Some people believe that the fall in house prices will be restricted by the limited supply of land and planning restrictions.

But house prices have more to do with the availability of mortgages than supply and demand of residential property and land.

Unless mortgage approvals increase dramatically, which seems unlikely, house prices will continue to decline.

[Fred]

A recent  report said that mortgages are still down on the levels they were at last year.

[Albert]

I think it is going to be bad this year if you need to sell your home.

[FirstTimeBuyerGuru]

It's an interesting topic isn't it.

I believe there comes a point at which even the most reckless of buyer won't borrow more than they can afford...unfortunately this point is way out of line with the number banks have in their heads! It's certainly true that house prices are a pure function of mortgage availability.

[Philofacts]

Mortgage interest rates are historically low.
It is inconceivable that this will always be the case.
Over a 25 year loan term, rates could vary between 3% and 8% apr maybe even higher.

House buyers should therefore only borrow what they can afford if rates were at say 8% apr.