Sterling is being traded in a tighter range in European part of the session, with only minor importance RICS House Prices figures being released. House prices rose faster in July as demand from buyers picked up, but the number of homes for sale fell to a record low, according to the latest monthly report from surveyors.The report showed increase by 47%.The imbalance between supply and demand prompted surveyors to forecast sizeable house price rises over the next 12 months, with gains most widely expected in East Anglia and Northern Ireland. Rents are also predicted to go up, again driven by demand for homes outpacing supply.
Simon Rubinsohn, the Rics chief economist, said the fact prices were rising while sales remained relatively flat highlighted the problems in the housing market. He said: “More worrying still is the suspicion that the imbalance between supply and demand will lead to even stronger price gains over the next 12 months. This is also visible in the firmer pattern in the buyer inquiries series, which has now risen for four months in succession, reflecting in part a further modest easing in credit conditions.”
Sterling is currently being traded few points above 1.5610 level. Pair is likely to find support at 1.5550 handle and resistance above 1.5660 area. Later today, in the US session,
Retail Sales and
Unemployment Claims figures are scheduled for a release.