0824 GMT - The U.K. Halifax monthly house price index for June points to weakness in the housing market, with the figures showing growth of 0% compared with May's 0.3% drop, Interactive Investor's Victoria Scholar says. Although the market has been contending with a fallout from higher stamp duty since April, this dip will likely fizzle out particularly in the second half, Scholar says. Furthermore, mortgage lending is improving, thanks to the Bank of England's four rate cuts over the last year and two more priced in this year. "U.K. wages are also rising, the market's regulatory conditions are improving, and buyer demand is up versus the previous year," she says in a note. Berkeley shares are up 1%, followed by Bellway, up 0.7% and Vistry, up 0.6%. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 07, 2025 04:25 ET (08:25 GMT)

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