House prices increased 1% to £169,042 in December, marking the sixth consecutive rise in prices over the last year.

Prices also saw the first annual increase since March 2008, with prices up 1.1%.

Martin Ellis, housing economist for Halifax, says: “The significant cut in interest rates following the worldwide financial upheaval in the autumn of 2008 has markedly reduced the burden of servicing a mortgage for many households. This has helped to stimulate housing demand, albeit from a low base. The recent improvement in the labour market, highlighted by increasing numbers of people in employment in both September and October, has also supported housing demand.

“The prospects for the market this year will depend on how the UK economy evolves and whether there is a significant increase in the supply of properties for sale. Overall, our current view is that house prices will be flat during 2010.”

The trend is almost right across Britain, although price rises are the most pronounced in London. In some parts of London, prices jumped by over 12%. The only regions where prices did not rise were the North and East Anglia.

For more information please contact us on 0208 969 33 22.

Maida Vale and Little Venice derive their names from Italy and have a picturesque canal with tree lined streets. The architecture is beautiful with white stuccos, red brick mansions and cobbled mews streets.

The Maida Vale postcode is W9 and is looked after by Westminster council. In the past, the area had attracted Sir John Ambrose Fleming, and the poet Robert Browning, amongst others.

Maida Vale and Little Venice are enchanting areas of London, this oasis of calm in the centre of the city is due in part to it’s close proximity to the canals of Little Venice, the impressive stucco villas lining the streets and the delightful range of independent shops in the area create a real ‘village’ atmosphere. Georgian shop fronts containing interiors specialists, delicatessens, delightful cafes and restaurants to refresh the visitor.