Housing prices in the United Kingdom have risen 4.5 percent overall, but London prices have fallen for the first time since 2009. Even though the London area suffered a minor price drop, the average value for houses is still higher there than in any other region in the country. The West Midlands region recorded the highest growth during the time of the study–a 7.3 percent increase–with the East Midlands right behind them at a 6.3 percent increase. Overall, a real estate agent quoted for the article has stated that a “two-tier” market is developing with the higher prices “masking” the stagnating to lowering prices in the London area.

Read more: UK house prices have risen by 4.4 per cent in the year to February – but London records first annual fall since 2009