Daily Express

House prices rise 2.3pc as Boris bounce lifts market

- By Steph Spyro By Vicky Shaw

SHOOTING to thrill in a pair of skin-tight leather trousers is all in a day’s work for model Abbey Clancy.

But the mum-of-four insists she has her genes to thank for her long tall figure.

The 34-year-old provided a welcome reminder that spring is on its way as she showed off her latest collection for Lipsy.

Abbey, who is 5ft 9ins, was slender and sun-kissed in a tiered black and white polka dot sundress, paired with nude strappy heels.

With her hands on her hips, she was every inch the power woman in a monochrome top with plunging neckline teamed with black leather trousers.

Her husband, former footballer Peter Crouch, with whom she has children Sophia, eight, Liberty Rose, four, Johnny, two, and Jack, born last year, has jokingly blamed Abbey for their large family.

Peter, 39, said: “It’s her fault I think, she still looks great!”

Abbey opened up about her weight in a recent interview, revealing: “I generally eat what

I want to in

HOUSE prices are increasing at their fastest rate for more than a year, figures show.

Property values in February rose 2.3 per cent annually and 0.3 per cent month-on-month, marking the strongest annual growth since a 2.5 per cent increase in July 2018.

Following signs that December’s general election victory may have spurred buyers, the average UK house price was £216,092 this month, a report by Nationwide Building Society said.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “While overall economic growth ground to a halt in the final three months of 2019, labour market conditions remained buoyant and borrowing costs low.

“The decisive election outcome may have provided a boost to buyer sentiment.

“Residentia­l property transactio­ns and mortgages approved for house purchase increased around the turn of the year and surveyors have reported an increase in new buyer inquiries.”

Mr Gardner said economic developmen­ts would be the key driver of market trends and prices.

He said: “Business surveys suggest activity recovered in the moderation. I don’t really struggle with my weight too much, so I don’t have to be focused on what not to eat. “Everyone in my family is slim and tall. My mother bounced back after kids, so I think my genes are a huge part of it.” Abbey has also collaborat­ed with the fashion brand on ranges for mothers and daughters as well as swimwear. new year, but there are still significan­t uncertaint­ies that threaten to exert a drag on the economy.

“The global economic backdrop remains challengin­g, with the coronaviru­s outbreak expected to weigh on activity.

“Investment is likely to remain subdued until the UK’s future global trading relationsh­ips become clearer, which is unlikely until early next year.” Mr Gardner said the economy was expected to continue expanding this year, with house prices “remaining broadly flat in 2020 as a whole”.

Jonathan Hopper of Garrington Property Finders, said the Boris bounce was “clearly no blip” and Sam Mitchell of estate agent Housesimpl­e, said figures suggested “spring is arriving early”.

 ??  ?? Thighly delighted .... Abbey in polka dots and, below, in skin-tight leather
Thighly delighted .... Abbey in polka dots and, below, in skin-tight leather
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