Out of the blue came a report that house prices had risen by nearly 2% over the month of January 2009. The report came from the Halifax, whose figures have surprised some analysts. There were claims by so called specialists that we should not take one month figures as an indication the market was improving and suggested the trend was still downwards.

The Halifax house price index is published each month based on its own trading figures, which of course could be different for other mortgage lenders.  What is sure that Februarys figures will be a point of interest, either to dispel January figures as a blip or an indication that maybe some house prices had not reached there lowest level.
There were also comments stating that there were much fewer homes on the market at the moment, which in itself may have influenced a small price increase. There is also the human element, a new year and a new start and those who may have been put off from last years doom and gloom may have decided now was the time to buy.