POWYS AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE FALLS BY £4k IN APRIL - ÖPIK

11.57.32am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th May 2008

Recent figures released by the Land Registry and Nationwide Building Society today, reveal the sharp fall in the last month for house prices in the UK and in Powys.

Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson and MP for Montgomeryshire, commented today:

"These figures show the largest monthly fall in house prices nationwide since 1991 under the last Conservative government.

"The news is much grimmer for Powys and those in my constituency, who have seen the average house price fall by around £4,000.

"The reality is that house prices have been overvalued for the last few years due to massive consumer debt. The market correction taking place now could have serious ramifications for those who may be facing negative equity and the possibility of repossession.

"I urge the Government to ensure that repossession is only used as an extreme last resort and that all is done to protect families from repossession."

Ends/diwedd

Notes to editor:

For full details on the changing housing market situation, please visit:

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/www/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gfN1MTQwt381DL0BBTAyNjY0cTE19PQwN3M6B8JB55A2J0G-AAjoR0-3nk56bqF-SGRpQ7KioCALdDEtQ!/dl2/d1/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnB3LzZfTEY1NDE4RzdVOVVUNTAyMzNBNDRNSTEwRzU!

Powys Council

(April 2007 - April 2008)

Month Powys Council

Index Average

Price (£)

December 2007 278.9 181,596

January 2008 281 182,913

February 2008 277 180,306

March 2008 276.8 180,203

April 2008 270.6 176,180

WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS DEMOCRATIAIDD RHYDDFRYDOL CYMRU