House prices rise 273% in 50 years

The noughties saw the biggest hike, with prices up by 62%, slightly ahead of the 61% rise recorded during the 1980s. Meanwhile, the worse performing decade for house prices was the 1990s when prices fell by 22% in real terms. Pronounced cycles have been a key feature of the housing market since 1959, with four significant periods of rapid house price growth: 1971-73, 1977-80, 1985-89 and 1998-2007. Each of these periods was followed by a significant fall in real house prices, the research found. There has been a steady increase in owner-occupation rates, increasing from 43% in 1960...