This week we’ve got another special guest and we’re taking a look at record price rises and fear of a bubble, news that London’s growth has been overtaken, and a look at the effect of a strengthening pound on overseas investment to the UK. Our quirky news piece this week has a weather theme!
This week’s news
London house prices rise 18% in year fuelling fears of bubble

The Nationwide Price Index suggests a bubble is forming in London, with prices up 18% year on year. A great article with lots of data to have a look at.

Manchester house price rise 'faster than London'

So it seems as a city, London has been outperformed in terms of growth! Manchester grew by 18% during the first quarter, compared to 17% for London. Is this the start of a new trend?

Tax and strong pound puts foreign investors off London property

The Telegraph report that new taxes and a strong pound are putting off overseas investors. Not a surprise, but a good sign that the economy is strengthening. Will London growth slow? We’ll have to wait and see.

Gardeners hit by national shortage of fencing

The quirky news piece again comes from Andy Norman’s thread over at the Property Hub, and talks about the national fence panel shortage. Panels are achieving up to £80 each on the black market. Supply and demand definitely works in all markets!
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Full transcript
Welcome to Property News Radio, your weekly dose of property news and information. Stay informed in just fifteen minutes every week. Here’s your host, Rob Bence from RMP Property!

Rob Bence:         Hello and welcome back to another edition of Property News Radio! I’m Rob Bence and with me this week I’ve got another special guest. Before I introduce her, let me tell you what’s coming up this week.

First of all, I’ll introduce our new special guest then we’ll have a look at the main news stories – record price rises, fear of a bubble, news that London may have been overtaken as the UK’s number one investment spot, tax in strong pound put foreigners off. Finally, our quirky news piece is very British as it has a weather theme this week.

As you know, we’ve been doing a different format for the last few weeks. I’ve had Andy on the show, I’ve had John on the show and I’m very glad to bring a lady on the show now. Welcome, Amy!

Amy:                     Hi, Rob! Thank you!

Rob:                       Amy is working with RMP. She has a great background in property. She has a property-related degree. She’s also worked overseas for Knight Frank and now she’s come back to enjoy this lovely weather and work at RMP. It certainly is.

Let’s jump straight into news stories this week.

First of all, we couldn't ignore this one. It was just after we recorded last week’s episode, the nationwide price index figures were released and there’s certainly fear of a bubble as eighteen per cent (18%) price rises in London alone over the last year. The nationwide price index is one worth following because it is actually the oldest set of data that we have. It started in 1952; Amy, do you know what quarter?

Amy:                     Quarter four.

Rob:                       Well done, Amy! They train you well at RMP. Yes, quarter four in 1952. We’ve got a lot of data to look back at so it’s well worth keeping an eye on the nationwide price index along with the land registry. They’re the two I pay particular attention to.

As you’ve already heard,